Edinburgh Law School opens its doors to community groups through University access scheme

Community groups can now use meeting and teaching spaces at Edinburgh Law School for free, thanks to the School’s involvement in the University of Edinburgh’s Community Access to Rooms scheme. The scheme enables local charities and organisations to hire University spaces at no cost when they are not being used for teaching, learning or research.

Since its launch in autumn 2022, the initiative has provided over 6,500 hours of free room bookings to more than 180 community groups across the city. This has saved groups an estimated £48,000 in venue costs, based on average city centre rates.

Following a successful pilot in spring 2025, Edinburgh Law School has now joined the scheme. Professor Jo Shaw, Head of Edinburgh Law School said: “We are delighted to welcome a wide range of community groups to use the spaces in Edinburgh Law School. 

“It is great that we are able to support charities and other community groups, who deliver public benefit to members of the public, by providing access to good quality meeting and teaching spaces.”

An array of groups have benefited from using University spaces including the Welcoming Association – a charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Edinburgh. David Carpenter, English for Speakers of Other Languages Coordinator at the Welcoming Association shared: “The cost of rent is flying up in Edinburgh and we wouldn’t be able to operate without this fantastic scheme. 

“Not only has this enabled us to further help New Scots learn English and begin to integrate in their new city by making new friends, building self-confidence (often after very testing times) and eventually finding employment and a sense of belonging, but the very fact that they are literally attending classes at the University of Edinburgh is inspiring to our service users.”

Community Access to Rooms is part of the University’s commitment to deliver positive change in Edinburgh and beyond. The University’s Community Plan sets out clear aims for how the institution supports people in its local community.

For further information you can visit the Community Access to Rooms scheme webpage: 

University of Edinburgh – Community Access to Rooms