Collective Action for Responsible Environment (CARE)

Welcome to the CARE research initiative. CARE (Collective Action for Responsible Environment) brings together researchers, policymakers, educators, businesses, community organisations and citizens to explore how environmental responsibility can be translated into collective action.

CARE focuses on environmental sustainability, circular economy, recycling, environmental responsibility and behaviour change. Through research, education and stakeholder engagement, we work collaboratively to generate evidence and practical solutions that support environmental sustainability and the common good.

Our work is informed by Common Good HRM, which emphasises that organisations have responsibilities not only to employees and economic outcomes, but also to communities, society and the environment. CARE extends this perspective by exploring how individuals, organisations and institutions can work together to address environmental challenges through collective responsibility and action.

Our work is guided by the belief that environmental challenges cannot be addressed by individuals acting alone and require collective responsibility and action across communities, organisations and public institutions.

If you would like to get in touch with us for any reason, you can find our details on our contact page.

Current Focus

CARE currently explores how awareness of environmental challenges can be translated into responsibility, collective responsibility and collective action.

Our current work focuses on:

lithium battery safety;
recycling and circular economy;
environmental responsibility;
sustainability transitions;
community engagement and behaviour change.

We work closely with public-sector organisations, schools, community groups, businesses and policymakers to co-produce evidence and develop practical solutions.

About us

Inform

We develop accessible resources and research-based insights that help individuals, organisations and communities understand environmental challenges and opportunities. Our educational materials aim to make complex sustainability issues engaging, understandable and relevant to diverse audiences.

Engage

We bring together researchers, policymakers, businesses, schools and community organisations to co-produce solutions to environmental and sustainability challenges.

Research

We conduct collaborative research to understand how environmental responsibility is understood, negotiated and translated into action. Our work contributes to evidence-informed policy and practice in areas such as sustainability, recycling, circular economy and environmental behaviour change.

Who we are

We are a multidisciplinary team committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of environmental responsibility, collective action and sustainability for the common good.

Team

Dr Tarek Rashwan
Dr Isidora Kourti
Dr Aqueel Wahga,
Dr Khadija Tahera
Prof. Caroline Clarke
Dr Richard Longman
Dr Oznur Yurt,
Prof Toni Gladding

The Open University CARE Leadership Team

Dr Olga Andrianova
Lecturer in Management
Faculty of Business and Law (FBL), Department of People and Organisations (DPO)
Dr Isidora Kourti
Faculty of Business and Law (FBL), Department of Strategy and Marketing (DSM)
Dr Steve Parker
Faculty of Business and Law (FBL), Public Leadership and Social Enterprise (PuLSE)
Prof Toni Gladding
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

OU Wales

Dr Sarah Roberts
OU Wales

Partner Organisations

Our work is strengthened through collaboration with organisations across education, research, sustainability, public services and community engagement. Together, these partnerships provide learners with authentic experiences, specialist expertise, real-world case studies and opportunities to make a positive impact.

Current and prospective partners include:

Cardiff Council

Cardiff Council is the local authority for Wales' capital city and works to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of local communities. Through partnership activities, Cardiff Council supports educational outreach, community engagement and sustainability initiatives.

Website: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/

OU Wales (The Open University in Wales)

The Open University in Wales is the nation's largest provider of part-time higher education, supporting over 16,000 learners across Wales. OU Wales brings expertise in flexible learning, widening participation, research and knowledge exchange.

Website: https://university.open.ac.uk/wales/en

Viridor Education Centre

The Viridor Education Centre at Cardiff Energy Recovery Facility provides engaging educational experiences focused on waste reduction, recycling, sustainability and the circular economy. The centre helps learners understand how waste can be managed responsibly and transformed into resources and energy.

Website: https://www.viridor.co.uk/energy-from-waste/visiting-our-facilities/car…

St Illtyd's Catholic High School

St Illtyd's Catholic High School is a leading secondary school in Cardiff with a strong commitment to educational excellence, community engagement and learner development. Collaborative projects provide valuable opportunities for learner participation and co-creation.

Website: https://stilltyds.org.uk/

Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales is the Welsh Government-sponsored body responsible for ensuring Wales' natural resources are sustainably managed, maintained and enhanced. Their expertise supports environmental education, biodiversity, climate action and sustainability-focused initiatives.

Website: https://naturalresources.wales/

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service works to make South Wales safer by reducing risk and protecting communities. Partnership activities may include safety education, resilience, emergency preparedness and community engagement programmes.

Website: https://www.southwales-fire.gov.uk/

Learning Design Services (LDS)

The Open University's Learning Design Services team specialises in evidence-based curriculum design, learner-centred educational experiences and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Their expertise helps ensure projects are engaging, effective and accessible.

Website: https://business.open.ac.uk/academic-collaboration/learning-design

Knowledge Media Institute (KMi)

The Open University's Knowledge Media Institute is a world-leading research and innovation centre focusing on artificial intelligence, digital technologies, learning innovation and human-centred technology. KMi brings research expertise and cutting-edge innovation to collaborative projects.

Website: https://kmi.open.ac.uk/

Keep Wales Tidy

Keep Wales Tidy is an environmental charity dedicated to creating a cleaner, greener Wales. The organisation works with schools, communities and businesses to tackle litter, improve green spaces and inspire environmental action.

Website: https://keepwalestidy.cymru/

Cardiff University (ReLiB)

About: Through the ReLiB (Reuse and Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries) network and wider Cardiff University collaborations, this partnership supports research, innovation and sustainability around resource efficiency, circular economy principles and future-focused environmental technologies.

Website: https://relib.ac.uk/