University of Cumbria research cited in the Limerick Framework
The Limerick Framework for Action is an international guide for development of staff and student wellbeing on university campuses. The Framework builds on previous charters, including the Okanagan charter, aiming to reflect on progress, acknowledge challenges, and focus on promoting action.
Development of the framework began in 2024, with a draft of the framework being presented at the 2025 International Health Promoting Campus Conference in Limerick. Presenting at the conference, Dr Susan Wilbraham, Associate Professor in Environmental, Health and Wellbeing at University of Cumbria, described her research on the impact of university physical environments on staff and student wellbeing. In the conference 'writing room', Sue provided comments on the draft, showing how her research findings could inform the Framework.
In total, four co-authored papers from Dr Wilbraham's recent research were cited in the published Limerick Framework for Action. These include journal articles on student wellbeing and assessment, independent learning and wellbeing and 'Student perceptions and proposals for promoting wellbeing through social relationships at university', and written evidence to the UK Parliament on staff wellbeing in higher education.
Reflecting on the research contribution to the Framework, Sue comments:
"I'm really pleased that the Limerick Framework has highlighted the importance of social connection, and acknowledges individual needs. Inclusion is a theme that runs through my work: we all arrive at university with difference resources to meet the demands being placed upon us.
"Some of our research findings - yet to be published in full - were also submitted to Parliament's homeworking committee and noted within the Limerick Framework. This research highlights the importance of physical environment, particularly for those with impairments, chronic health conditions, and cognitive differences. As co-chair of our Disabled and Neurodivergent Staff Network (DaNN) at University of Cumbria, I'm glad to see disability being acknowledged.
Looking to the application of this work, Sue explains:
"The Limerick Framework is a call to action and provides evidence-based guidance on how to develop each campus. We have the potential to positively influence staff, students, and our wider communities - it invites us to review every aspect of campus life and identify what we are doing well, and what we should prioritise for development. This is an exciting opportunity to engage everyone on campus and promote a shared vision for the future! Importantly, the Limerick Framework identifies a 'Healthy Planet' as a pillar of wellbeing, underpinning 'Healthy Places' that provide the foundation for 'Healthy People'."
Image: University of Cumbria's Ambleside campus
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