Now in its fourth year, the Professional Challenge is a Leeds Trinity initiative that provides students with an opportunity to develop skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving while producing innovative, real-world solutions for social justice issues that can make a tangible impact in the City Region and beyond.

Law and criminology-specific tasks were included this year for the first time, to reflect the University’s expansion into the city centre, offering industry-standard teaching and facilities at its Leeds City Campus. The City Campus is home to the Schools of Business; Construction and the Built Environment; Computer Science; Criminology, Investigation and Policing; and Law. 

Emily Timson, Director of Graduate Outcomes and Enterprise at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Fresh from being acknowledged in the Authentic Assessment category at the recent Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Academic Employability Awards, the Professional Challenge continued its growth in 2025. This year’s initiative was the biggest one we have organised yet, and I’d like to thank all involved in its planning and execution, as well as the industry challenge-setters who were so generous with their time and resources. The valuable feedback provided supports Leeds Trinity University’s aim of making real-world, career-relevant experiences a part of students’ learning journeys to further enhance their skillsets and graduate employability.” 

The subject-specific challenges were set by the Wetherby Young Offenders Institute, who asked students to develop strategies to safely rebuild social interaction and integration among young people, and LegalTech in Leeds, who requested ideas on using artificial intelligence and technology to make legal support more affordable, accessible, and inclusive. 

Cleo Sazou, Interventions Facilitator at Wetherby Young Offenders Institute and a postgraduate Forensic Psychology student at Leeds Trinity University, said: "This was an amazing and helpful opportunity for the Wetherby Young Offenders Institute to think about some very innovative ideas coming from the Leeds Trinity students. I am very grateful to all students that took part, and I hope they took as much away from the experience as they put into it.” 

As in previous years, students could also choose to develop responses to challenges linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Enterprise Mobility tasked students with designing a scalable initiative that would reduce their carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance operations and customer experiences. The Diocese of Leeds were looking for engaging and accessible methods of capturing honest attitudes towards sustainability; and Leeds Trinity’s in-house Sustainability team asked for proposals on engaging the University community with sustainability and encouraging positive, lasting behaviour change. 

Bradford 2025, who set a challenge for a second consecutive year, asked for suggestions that would encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to the Tu i Tam/Tyt i Tam exhibition space, which explores the history of Polish and Ukrainian communities in Bradford and beyond. 

For more information about the Leeds City Campus, visit the Leeds Trinity University website.