OU wins two Guardian Awards based on rigorous research

Teams from The Open University picked up two wins in a glittering nights at the Guardian University Awards this week (29 March 2017).

The Faculty of Business and Law won the Business Partnership category for its collaboration with True Potential LLP and the TESS India team swept the board in the International Projects category. Judges praised the team for its innovative approach and inspiring use of partnerships.
The partnership has created a centre of excellence undertaking rigorous research to teach people everything from the basics of finance to the way the financial industry operates. Courses are freely accessible on OpenLearn and FutureLearn. Research shows they are making a real difference to the financial understanding of families around the country.

"It is fantastic that we have won two such prestigious awards for business partnerships and international projects against some really tough competition. Congratulations to both the winning teams, it's a great achievement."

Martin Upton, Director, True Potential Centre for the Public Understanding of Finance with the OU’s Faculty of Business and Law, said: "We are really delighted. We have to acknowledge this success would not have been possible without the support of True Potential LLP. Their support has meant we can bring financial education to the UK and beyond, to the benefit of huge numbers of people."

The judges said TESS India was an exceptional project with unparalleled reach, delivered at scale.

The project, which began in 2012, is generating a paradigm shift in rural Indian schools to introduce more child centred education. It has created educational resources in seven languages designed with and for teachers, through different delivery mechanisms ranging from mobile phones to printed material.

Matthew Foster, Director of International Development, said: "We are thrilled with the recognition of our achievements. It was great to hear the judges thought TESS India was an outstanding project, making full use of the OU's capabilities where they are most needed - reaching rural teachers across seven Indian states."

Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks said: "It is fantastic that we have won two such prestigious awards for business partnerships and international projects against some really tough competition. Congratulations to both the winning teams, it's a great achievement."