Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Students’ Union (RGU:Union) has scooped a national award for its safe taxi scheme which it launched in Aberdeen last year.
RGU:Union secured the ‘Campaign of the Year’ accolade at the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland Awards which recognise the hard work and excellence of Scottish student associations.
The award was in recognition of the success of RGU:Union’s safe taxi scheme which it established last year with Rainbow City Taxis to ensure vulnerable students without cash from both of the city’s universities get home safely.
The scheme allows students who find themselves in an unsafe situation without cash to book a designated ‘safe taxi’ by calling Rainbow City Taxis and quoting their university and student number as a temporary payment.
Launched in September 2015, the scheme was praised by NUS Scotland for its role in upgrading Aberdeen to an ‘excellence’ city safety status from Purple Flag, an accreditation scheme which recognises excellence in the management of town and city centres at night.
Edward Pollock, RGU’s Student President for Communication and Democracy, said: “We are delighted that our safe taxi scheme has been recognised at a national level, which is testament to the success and importance of the initiative.
“We strive to continually enhance the university experience and as a Students’ Union the welfare of students is a key concern so it’s fantastic that our hard work and dedication in ensuring our students stay safe has been awarded.”
Commenting on the safe taxi scheme, Chief Inspector Graeme Mackie from Police Scotland's Aberdeen City Division, said: “The scheme is another great example of partnership working in Aberdeen, offering a service which students can rely upon should they find themselves vulnerable through alcohol, however the overarching aim is to avoid these situations and ensure people drink responsibly.”
NUS Scotland, a voluntary membership organisation, is the national union of college and university students’ association run entirely by students to defend and extend student rights.
RGU:Union also made the shortlist for a further three NUS Scotland awards for ‘Officer Team of the Year’, ‘Diversity’ and ‘Staff Member of the Year’, making it the most nominated university students’ union in the running.
The winners were announced at a ceremony which took place on Friday, March 18 at the NUS Scotland Conference in Dundee.