Denis Law RGUplus Award launched to recognise community volunteering

The Denis Law RGUplus Award will reward the enormous value of individuals who create a long-lasting impact for both them and their community through various means of volunteering across the North East and beyond.

It will form part of RGUplus, the recently introduced programme by the University which aims to ensure that community engagement and learning beyond the classroom at RGU is taken to new heights and recognised in a way that will enhance skills, develop unique employability and global citizenship skills.

Individuals can collate their hours and developed skillset from various organisations and commitments aligned to a new app which will help to articulate the magnitude of CV-enhancing and employability skills gained through volunteering and working beyond the classroom.

As well as contributing towards shaping global citizens, the combined hours will also go towards receiving certified recognition through the four levels of the Denis Law RGUplus award.

Professor Lynn Kilbride, Vice Principal for Academic Development and Student Experience at RGU, said: “The Denis Law RGUplus Award will reward the fantastic value added by volunteers in North East communities and beyond by recognising their dedication to helping others.

“Vitally, it will also aim to help volunteers achieve new goals in developing global citizenship and contribute to the wider social and cultural development of our communities and the engagement within them.”

The award has been launched in the days leading up to Denis Law’s 84th birthday. The former footballer remains Scotland’s only ever Ballon d’Or winner and is Patron of Denis Law Legacy Trust. In 2017, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from RGU.

Law’s son, Gary Law, is a Trustee of Denis Law Legacy Trust. He said: “In Dad’s name, Denis Law Legacy Trust has supported so many young people through the provision of free positive opportunities, such as bringing three Cruyff Courts to his hometown of Aberdeen – all of which have provided platforms for local communities to thrive.

"Working alongside Robert Gordon University to develop this new award, which the Law family are delighted to support, I'm sure this wonderful initiative will recognise the commitment and impact of so many community members, young people and students who do amazing work for others - which I know is something Dad would have been proud to be part of.”

Run in partnership with RGU, and operating from its campus, Denis Law Legacy Trust deploys into Aberdeen’s most deprived communities and delivers free to access sports and creative activity sessions for young people, supporting and empowering them to thrive – often through its volunteering pathway.

Awarded the Queens award for voluntary service, the MBE for voluntary groups, volunteering is at the heart of Denis Law Legacy Trust’s work and the charity has seen first-hand the positive legacy volunteers have made with communities across Aberdeen and beyond.

Its Chief Operating Officer, Mark Williams, said: “Working in partnership with Robert Gordon University, we are delighted to launch the Denis Law RGUplus award. This new award is a platform for young people, from different backgrounds and all walks of life, to thrive and build a legacy they can be proud of. Not only for themselves but also their communities.”

The award was launched with an event at RGU on Tuesday 20 February where members of the Law family attending alongside community members and stakeholders.