College shares ‘SDG Ready’ sustainability strategy at EAUC Scotland Conference
We are continuing our sector-leading approach to embedding sustainability in education after presenting the College’s innovative ‘SDG Ready’ approach at the 2026 EAUC Scotland Conference.
Head of Sustainability Sasha Beswick and Director of Curriculum/Young People Rob Chamberlain co-delivered a session to further and higher education colleagues from across the UK at the conference, held in Perth. The event is Scotland’s only conference dedicated to sustainability in colleges and universities, and is held every 18 months.
‘SDG Ready’ is a bespoke, multi-disciplinary framework developed by Barnsley College to ensure Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is meaningfully integrated into every area of learning. Aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the approach moves beyond a one-size-fits-all model, instead tailoring sustainability to each vocational subject area.
This means students experience sustainability in ways that are directly relevant to their future careers. For example, Catering students explore responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) in food sourcing and life on land (SDG 15), while Hair and Beauty learners consider good health and wellbeing (SDG 3) alongside the effects of chemicals on life below water (SDG 14). The result is a more engaging and practical understanding of sustainability across all departments.
The College’s contribution was well received by attendees, with the team invited to present the ‘SDG Ready’ approach at the 2026 EAUC Annual Conference in Swansea later this year – further recognition of Barnsley College’s growing influence in this area.
Sasha said: “Presenting at the EAUC Scotland Conference gave us the opportunity to share how we are embedding sustainability across the curriculum in a way that is meaningful for every learner. It was also valuable to hear from others and reflect on how we can continue to develop our approach.”
During the session, Sasha also used LEGO Serious Play to encourage delegates to reflect on their own approaches and consider how sustainability could be embedded within their institutions. The interactive method sparked discussion around both the challenges and opportunities of delivering sustainability education in different contexts.
Rob added: “SDG Ready is a framework of action which prepares students to engage positively with sustainability themes in their chosen careers, ensuring they leave college with the knowledge and skills they need to be active participants in promoting the SDGs.
“The LEGO was a brilliant way to encourage reflection and discussion – thank you Sasha – and opened up some fascinating conversations about the challenges and opportunities we all encounter in this field.”
The session was co-delivered with Colin Hardacre of SRUC, who shared his organisation’s approach to Learning for Sustainability through its Seedable programme, providing valuable insight into how different institutions are tackling similar priorities.
