2|
Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor
Foreword
As a University located in the heart of the city region, we are student centred, inclusive, caring of our community and courageous – we seek to speak out boldly and be agents for positive change in society. Our clinical practice work in both the Law School and the Liverpool Business School, as set out in this Annual Report, reflects our commitment to our students and the people and organisations in our city region. Clinical practice provides students with a unique opportunity to develop knowledge in context. Working with academics, practitioners and clients on real legal or business problems creates circumstances in which students can acquire theoretical knowledge and understand its practical application through the act of doing. Dr Timothy Nichol
This has two outcomes. First, it is of enormous benefit to our students, as they will have a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the subjects they are studying. This will help them develop successful professional careers when they graduate. Secondly, the provision of free business and legal advice to communities and organisations who may struggle to access such advice contributes significantly to the economic and social wellbeing of the city region. This Annual Report notes the broad range of legal and business clinical practice services undertaken in the last academic year. We do not currently evaluate the social value of this work, but it is estimated that the financial value of the advice delivered through our clinical practice work amounted to £1.314m. This is a significant contribution by the University to communities and organisations the city region. In the current academic year, the opening of the Hardman Street facility enables us to expand the provision of legal and business services and to add new services. We will, for example add an accounting review service to our business clinic work specifically aimed at the charitable sector. This will help charities develop good financial and governance practices. The Hardman Street facility demonstrates the University’s commitment to its civic role and the positive work it does to support the social and economic well being of the city region.
Dr Timothy Nichol Pro Vice Chancellor: Faculty of Business and Law