• Swindon & Wiltshire Social
• Wednesday December 3 2025

Sustainability hub creator awarded an honorary doctorate

One of the creators of Sparks, the sustainability hub that opened in Bristol’s former Marks & Spencer department store, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the West of England.

Dr Jenny Foster was awarded an honorary doctorate in education in recognition of her contribution in the fields of international development, sustainability and social justice, her commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and contribution to the development of climate and sustainable education through the leadership of Global Goals Centre.

Dr Verity Jones, associate professor in education at the University of the West of England, explained: “Jenny has spent over 30 years championing international development, sustainability, and social justice – not just in boardrooms or policy papers, but in real spaces, with real people.

“She’s the visionary behind the educational charity Global Goals Centre and Sparks Bristol. Her projects give voice to marginalised communities and challenge us to rethink how we live, work, and care for each other and our planet.”

In her acceptance speech, Jenny praised the nursing and social care students who received their degrees at the ceremony, saying they are examples of hope, compassion, and commitment to making the world better – a complete antidote to the media stories of hatred and gloom that dominate.

She encouraged them to keep being flag bearers for kindness, fairness and positivity as they head out into the next stage of their lives.

Sparks opened in 2023, moving into the Broadmead premises vacated by M&S.

It houses over 120 ethical local traders and 30 charities on its ground floor, which features shops, installations, and events, while the upper floors provide affordable studios, rehearsal, and performance spaces for local artists.

Sparks also offers a reuse shop, repair services, and educational projects for schools.