Northumbria University in Newcastle has extended its contract with Sodexo for an additional ten years, covering both soft and hard facilities management services and residential living management. This renewed agreement also introduces a new food offering at the University’s largest student accommodation, Trinity Square.
Sodexo has managed student accommodation services at Northumbria University since 2014, starting with Trinity Square, a modern housing block for up to 1,000 students in double en-suites or shared flats for groups of three to five. Over time, the contract has expanded to include all four of the University’s City residences, accommodating nearly 2,500 students annually.
Sodexo is dedicated to providing an exceptional student living experience and is committed to making a positive social impact for residents, the University, and the local community. In the University's student accommodations, Sodexo manages various services including reception, helpdesk, security, mechanical and electrical maintenance, and cleaning.
Sodexo employs 58 people at Northumbria University and utilises digital platforms for students to report maintenance issues. Recently, they introduced a mobile-enabled maintenance system to ensure timely servicing of requests within the residences, aiming to reduce unexpected breakdowns and inconveniences, minimise costs, and extend equipment life.
Under the new contract, Sodexo will introduce a brand-new catering service at Trinity Square student accommodation, offering hot drinks and a grab-and-go food selection including paninis and pastries. The team will revitalise the currently under-utilised space at the accommodation to enhance the student experience, creating a fantastic live learning environment that fosters a true home-away-from-home atmosphere.
Sodexo’s commitment to social impact is central to Northumbria University's strategic business ambitions. This dedication is evident in every floor cleaned, every maintenance task completed, and every interaction with students.
Sodexo has built strong relationships with the local community and collaborates with local charities and social enterprises such as Northern Rights and the DFN Project. These organisations focus on helping the long-term unemployed and people with learning difficulties find employment.
Supporting students from applicant to alumni is a crucial part of Sodexo’s focus at the University. The team provides essential support to residents during a challenging time as they adjust to life away from home, balancing studying with financial independence, making new friends, and settling into a new environment and city. To further assist in this area, Sodexo has committed to training five mental health first responders across the contract.
In 2022, Sodexo introduced Residency Advisors, students who live within the residences and join the Sodexo team on a part-time basis. These advisors work with the accommodation team to manage any issues quickly and efficiently, providing proactive peer-to-peer support. This program offers employment opportunities for 15 students, enhancing their long-term employability by adding valuable experience to their CVs.
Sian Thompson, national operations director, Universities & PFIs, Sodexo UK & Ireland, Sodexo said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Northumbria University. There is a strong cultural fit between our organisations, and we are committed to continually delivering a leading facilities management service alongside the award-winning residency living model, with aligned goals and strategic objectives. This next contractual period brings with it some exciting service developments and we expect to achieve great things by continuing to work in a strategic and trusted partnership.”
Erin Peart, executive director of campus services, Northumbria University said: “Sodexo continues to be one of the University’s valuable partners – not only because of the services it delivers and the commitment it has to enhancing the student experience, but in helping us to deliver social impact. We look forward to continuing this partnership with students at the heart of our shared ambitions.”
Sodexo’s team at Northumbria University has been recognised with several awards. These include the 2023 IWFM award for Excellence in Customer Experience. Contract Manager Tom Martin was honored as the 2022 Young Leader of the Year at the PFM Partnership awards. Additionally, their contract received high commendation at the 2022 Student Accommodation awards for Collaboration. The team was also shortlisted for excellence in social impact at the 2024 Property Week awards.