Most of its students might be away from Durham during lockdown, but covid-19 has not stopped Durham University recruiting two new additions to its community engagement team,

The university already makes financial contributions towards policing costs and Durham County Council’s Enhanced Warden Service in the city during term time.

Also, since June 2018 the university has employed a full-time community liaison officer, Hannah Shepherd, who represents the university on local forums including the Durham City Safety Group, and has become a recognisable face at residents’ meetings.

Now two current students, Francoise Labode and Lauren Naughton, have joined Mrs Shepherd, as interns: working to serve the university and the community on a part-time basis alongside their studies.

Both are working remotely at the moment, planning for induction of incoming students for the 2020/21 academic year.

They are particularly focusing on preparing for when the university recruits its first student community wardens later this year. More details of this scheme will be announced nearer the time.

Francoise, a first year law student at Hild Bede College, is experienced in campaign work and is interested in how start-up businesses can support local communities. Having helped out a various Guiding units, she was recently made an Advocate for Guiding.

She said: “I’m thrilled to have been offered this internship and looking forward to throwing myself into the role.

“I would love to promote a cohesive atmosphere within the Durham community by promoting inclusivity, diversity and providing solutions to problems local people are facing.”

Lauren, a second year philosophy student at Josephine Butler College, is a keen singer.

A member of her college chamber choir and the university’s Choral Society, she counts performing at Durham Cathedral as the highlight of her academic year so far.

She has also been involved with Durham Women’s Forum and UN Women UK University Champions Network.

She said: “I’m at home in Lancashire, but looking forward to meeting everyone in person once we’re allowed to return to Durham. I have an interest in communications and campaign work and I’m enthusiastic about engaging with the community, both with students and non-student residents.

I’m excited about working with students to create a community warden presence and strengthening relations between city residents.”

For more information about Durham University’s community work, visit www.durham.ac.uk/community and sign up to a monthly newsletter.