REF Impact

For the purposes of the REF, impact was defined as an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life, beyond academia.

The Impact element of REF carried a weighting of 25 per cent of the overall assessment. The number of case studies required in each UoA submission was determined by the number (full-time equivalent) of staff returned in the submission. The University of Suffolk submitted 2 impact case studies to REF 2021 both of which were assessed at 3* and having considerable impact in terms of both reach and significance.

I.  Addressing Criminal and Sexual Exploitation of Young and Vulnerable People involved in “County Lines” Drug Distribution Networks.

II.  Sharing intimate images online –effectively responding to online sexual abuse and improving support for child victims.