CUBO Awards 2026

The University of Southampton has enhanced the student sport experience through its Active for All strategy, bringing participation, development and performance into a single inclusive framework. Designed to remove barriers, the approach supports students to start, stay and succeed in physical activity. Participation has increased, engagement among underrepresented groups has grown, and initiatives focused on wellbeing and fan engagement have strengthened community connection and a sense of belonging across campus.

The University of Kent’s ALL Active programme has broadened participation in campus sport by prioritising inclusion, flexibility and enjoyment. Designed to remove barriers such as cost, commitment and confidence, the programme offers accessible, drop in activity for students, staff and alumni. Through socially focused sessions, inclusive formats and creative events, ALL Active has increased engagement in physical activity and created opportunities for wellbeing and connection across the University.

King’s College London has improved the sport experience by bringing student learning directly into sport and wellbeing services. Through placements, internships and hands‑on roles in strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and psychology, students help deliver support across campus. At the heart of this is the Team Performance Programme, which supports 12 sports teams and more than 100 student athletes, widening access to support while strengthening participation, wellbeing and connection across campus.

King’s College London introduced Root to Tip dining in 2025 to reduce food waste and improve the nutritional quality of meals. Developed through collaboration between academics, students and King’s Food, the initiative uses surplus parts of fruit and vegetables within everyday dishes. Strong student and staff engagement demonstrated high acceptance, cost savings and waste reduction, embedding Root to Tip dining into the core food offer and providing a scalable model for sustainable campus catering.

The University of Manchester Accommodation team refreshed induction communications by introducing Discord to better support incoming students. Designed to reduce information overload and improve engagement, the platform created an interactive space for connection, questions and real time support. Integrated into induction materials, Discord achieved strong uptake, improved student preparedness and belonging, and reduced staff workload, helping incoming students arrive feeling more connected and supported.

The London School of Economics and Political Science has reimagined campus retail through the LSE Shop, creating a contemporary, student centred space designed to strengthen connection and belonging. Shaped by extensive student insight and global benchmarking, the project combines curated product ranges, ethical sourcing and digital integration. Beyond strong commercial growth, the LSE Shop has enhanced the student experience and attracted sector wide interest as a scalable, innovative retail model.

Magali Massip, from the University of Leeds, has contributed to the development of cleaning and waste services through her progression into senior operational roles. Her work has focused on strengthening recruitment, training and communication, alongside data driven approaches to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support sustainable operations. Known for her collaborative and people centred approach, Magali plays a key role in delivering consistent service quality across complex campus environments.

Hannah Summers, from the University of Birmingham, has contributed to significant improvements in cleaning, waste and facilities management following her progression from an apprenticeship into a contract and operations role. She now leads complex service contracts, supports waste and recycling initiatives, and provides operational insight into carbon accounting and sustainability reporting. Her work has strengthened service delivery, improved data led decision making and supported waste reduction across the University estate.

Hayley Hall, from Loughborough University, has contributed to improvements in procurement practice within campus and commercial services following her transition into a new role. Bringing a people centred and analytical approach, Hayley supported the implementation of an integrated eProcurement system that improved efficiency, transparency and day to day processes for frontline teams. Her work has helped streamline operations and strengthen understanding between technical systems and practical service delivery.

Over the past 18 months, the University of Nottingham has transformed its International Food Court into a multi offer dining space shaped by student and staff feedback. Led by Head Chef Ian, the redevelopment focused on relevance, inclusivity and commercial sustainability. Through in house food concepts, live cooking, digital ordering and data led decision making, the Food Court now delivers stronger engagement, improved operational performance and a space that supports eating, socialising and study.

The University of Reading has transformed campus dining through Clever Cuisine, a fully integrated catering and retail model centred on student choice and sustainability. The Digital Dining ecosystem enables flexible dining across campus, supported by live allergen, nutrition and sustainability information. Behavioural design promotes plant forward choices, while real time data improves procurement and reduces waste. Participation has increased four fold, satisfaction has risen, and sustainability outcomes have improved significantly.

In 2020, Solent University partnered with Sodexo to trial a dark kitchen model in response to changing student behaviour. Over 18 months, five virtual restaurant brands generated more than £250,000 in sales, demonstrating strong demand for digital ordering and collection. The trial clearly showed that traditional hot food counters no longer matched customer expectations, operational efficiency or sustainability goals, prompting a shift to a fully digital click and collect model.

The University of Leicester’s Food and Drink team has developed a long standing, student led approach to sustainability through its Green Impact work. Central to this is the Students’ Union Food Rescue Volunteers Society and Community Kitchens, which redistribute surplus food while building skills and community. Supported by data led decision making and supplier partnerships, the initiative has reduced waste, cut carbon emissions and embedded sustainable behaviours across campus life.

For more than 20 years, Harper Adams University has embedded a “food metres, not miles” approach within campus catering, using produce from its own farm and local suppliers. Over the past year, new initiatives have strengthened this circular model, integrating food production, preparation and waste reduction. Together, these measures showcase how campus catering can reduce environmental impact while delivering high quality, sustainable dining.

In January 2026, the University of Surrey introduced a campus wide reusable cup scheme in partnership with Cauli, removing single use takeaway cups across seven catering outlets. Using a QR based borrow and return system, reuse is now the default choice for customers. Since launch, the scheme has recorded over 9,000 borrows with a 94.7% return rate, embedding sustainable behaviour into everyday campus life and delivering measurable reductions in waste

The London School of Economics and Political Science has developed a student living model that integrates wellbeing, community, affordability and sustainability across its accommodation offer. Through 24/7 halls based wellbeing support, a co created Residential Life Programme, in house services and affordability initiatives, LSE has improved student satisfaction across multiple measures. Student led sustainability activity further embeds positive living practices, helping students feel supported, connected and settled within their residential communities.

Loughborough University’s Claudia Parsons Hall offers an innovative, student centred approach to modern university living. Shaped by extensive student feedback, the hall combines private ensuite rooms with shared kitchens, flexible social spaces and purpose built study areas. Its central campus location, visible hall staff and wellbeing focused indoor and outdoor spaces support community, inclusion and positive living, creating an environment where students feel connected and supported.

The University of Bath developed the Our Commitment campaign and Shared Living Agreement to support positive shared living in university accommodation. Built around six clear commitments, the initiative sets expectations while encouraging early, open conversations between flatmates. Delivered through digital resources, social media, practical tools and peer support, the approach has strengthened early intervention, reduced conflict and helped students feel more confident and supported throughout their time in halls.

In response to the Unite Living Black at University report, the University of Birmingham launched ‘Belong at Birmingham’ to strengthen belonging for Black students in accommodation. Central to the initiative is a team of 15 paid Black Student Ambassadors, embedded within Student Living to provide lived experience leadership. Working through student led focus groups, they co created the Black Students’ Guide to Birmingham, offering practical, relevant support to help students feel welcomed.

University of the Arts London has taken proactive action to create safe, visible and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ students and staff at a time of growing hostility. Through student led events, city wide partnerships and cross institutional LGBTQ+ programmes, UAL has strengthened belonging both on and beyond campus. This work embeds equality and inclusion into everyday campus and commercial services, helping LGBTQ+ students feel visible, connected and supported.

The University of Leeds Residence Life team has taken a proactive, evidence led approach to strengthening inclusion and belonging within its accommodation communities. Through staff and student training, inclusive resources, improved representation and student led events, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across Residence Life. Informed by student feedback and the Unite Living Black at University report, this work has improved confidence, representation and support for Black students and other marginalised residents.

Loughborough University hosted the TUCO Conference with just six months’ notice, turning tight timelines and limited venues into an opportunity for creativity and collaboration. By reimagining the event to showcase the University’s heritage, regional strengths and values, the team delivered an outstanding conference experience. Cross‑departmental working strengthened partnerships, built staff confidence and culminated in a 94% “best ever” rating, leaving a legacy for future collaboration and innovation.

The University of Manchester’s Hospitality and Events team has transformed their conferencing through a series of practical, measurable, sustainability initiatives. These include community fridges, reusable takeaway containers, an in house water bottling system and a scientifically validated reusable milk scheme. Combined with seasonal sourcing and waste reduction menu design, the approach has reduced environmental impact, supported positive behaviour change and embedded sustainability into everyday hospitality operations.

The University of Leeds hosted the Scenarios Forum 2025 as a Sustainable Conference Living Lab, rethinking how academic events are delivered. Working with departments across the University, the team tested new approaches to accessibility, catering, communication and engagement in real time. By placing delegates at the centre of decision‑making, the Living Lab showed how sustainability can enhance the conference experience while generating learning to inform future events.

Unitemps, created by the University of Warwick, is a university led recruitment service supporting strong partnerships between institutions, internal departments and external employers. Operating across 20 university based branches, the model helps universities reduce reliance on agencies while creating flexible, paid work for students. In 2025, Unitemps delivered over 72,000 assignments, supported more than 60,000 individuals into work and generated £16.2 million in VAT savings across the network.

Durham University in partnership with ProcurED, part of the Foodbuy Group, to strengthen procurement and commercial performance across its catering operations. Initially focused on improving recipe and allergen management, the partnership has developed into a collaborative model aligned with Durham’s 15 student‑led college bars. By keeping costs below inflation, the collaboration has increased income and contribution, with all additional funds reinvested into student facilities, bar improvements and wider student‑led opportunities.

The University of Birmingham partnered with Housr to improve the student off‑campus housing experience through a safe, trusted and student‑focused approach. Launched in 2025, the partnership provides UoB students with a reliable way to find and secure private accommodation, reducing stress, improving safety and protecting students from scams. The initiative supports the University’s Approved Landlord Scheme and demonstrates a shared commitment to student wellbeing and positive housing outcomes.

The London School of Economics and Political Science refreshed the Food at LSE brand through a targeted marketing campaign designed to reconnect catering with students. Informed by student insight, the campaign focused on storytelling, refreshed brand identity and a shift towards Instagram led engagement. Strong organic growth in reach and website traffic translated into increased footfall and sales during the Welcome period, strengthening brand visibility across campus.

The University of Birmingham delivered Plates from Home, a participatory campaign inviting students and staff to share recipes and stories connected to home. Developed during Welcome Week, the campaign used food to celebrate culture and belonging. By encouraging user generated content across digital channels, Plates from Home strengthened emotional connection with campus food services, drove high levels of engagement and created a sense of community during a key transition period.

Loughborough University developed the In Safe Hands campaign to reassure parents and guardians about safety, security and wellbeing in university managed accommodation. Responding to high levels of parental anxiety and limited opportunities to visit campus, the campaign combined an authentic parents’ video with clear online guidance. By highlighting on site teams, 24 hour security and pastoral support, the campaign strengthened trust, increased safety satisfaction and continues to support families at key decision making points.