Thank you for your interest in the Engage Watermark. The Watermark Award is the only sector award which recognises the stage a higher education institution has reached in embedding public engagement across all of its work. Awarded at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze, the Watermark is retained for four years, after which institutions can apply for reassessment. Gold Watermark awardees can apply for a Platinum award which evidences a sustained commitment to public engagement. The Watermark award is also open for faculties and research institutes.

There are lots of benefits of applying for an award including:

• Intelligence gathering about how well your institution supports engagement
• Robust expert assessment, benchmarking and evidence of progress over time
• Support to development of engagement strategy and practice
• Reward and recognition for your commitment to embedding engagement into your institution  

The assessment can be applied at an institutional or faculty level. The costs for the assessment process in 2024/5 is £12,900 + VAT.

Please note: Applications should be submitted  by 17th September 2025.  Applications will be assessed by NCCPE and you will be advised if your application has been successful by 26th September.

Once accepted into Watermark, we will send you a guide to planning your Watermark including a draft timeline and key milestones that need to be met. We will also offer dates for an inception meeting which will support you to plan your Watermark effectively.

Please contact nccpe.directors@uwe.ac.uk for any further information.

Please note:  all questions marked with a red asterisk need to be completed. 

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