Summary of the impact

The research described below has impacted on policy and practice relating to Personal Development Planning (PDP) - the structured and supported process by which learners reflect upon their own development and plan their future development. The impact has primarily been on the UK Higher Education (HE) sector, but has also extended beyond the UK and into other types of organisation (e.g. graduate recruitment networks). More specifically, the research has: shaped the guidance offered to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) on implementing and developing PDP policies and processes for students; enhanced the practice of PDP practitioners; stimulated debate among these practitioners; and informed the development of resources for these practitioners. This has had an overarching positive effect on learner development in educational settings and beyond.

Summary of the impact

Scotch whisky is now Scotland's largest international export (£4.23bn) ahead of refined petroleum (£3bn) and business services (£2.5bn). In early 2012 CNS entered discussions with Gerry Tosh, Global Development Manager with the Edrington Group, owners of Highland Park Distillery, on providing research to inform product and sub-brand development of a new range of whisky products drawing on the Viking heritage of the Orkney Islands, whose Mainland has been home to the Highland Park Distillery since 1798.

The project, which draws upon research by staff in CNS, has achieved three key impacts:

1. Increased sales of Highland Park whisky, safeguarding local jobs in Orkney (the distillery employs 25 in production and 5 in the visitor centre)
2. Informed the development of an authentic and unique new whisky product brand, inspired by the history of the Orkney Islands, and a new market for it in Russia
3. Encouraged growth of cultural heritage/business linkages

Summary of the impact

This case study presents the impact of research undertaken by Professor Clare Midgley that places nineteenth-century British women's activism within its imperial and global contexts. Impact has been achieved through advisory roles and public engagement activities with two community groups involved in projects to commemorate women, and a consultancy role with English Heritage. As a result, Midgley's research has both played a crucial role in initiating and shaping local projects to commemorate pioneering British feminists and abolitionists of local, national and global significance, whilst also influencing national policy on preserving and presenting historic sites associated with women's history.

Summary of the impact

Research into contemporary women's writing that took place in the School of Cultural Studies and Humanities at Leeds Metropolitan University between 2000 and 2013 has contributed to the continuing personal and professional development of beneficiaries amongst the public, as well as postgraduate students significantly beyond the submitting HEI. The majority of these beneficiaries have engaged directly with this research in two ways: via the website (the Contemporary Women's Writing Association website, or its sister organisation the Postgraduate Contemporary Women's Writing Network website) or via a public lecture or event.