Elliott Lancaster began to manage his own family's finances at the age of just 15. His tireless work to ensure his family avoided homelessness caused him to struggle academically. Eventually he was able to restore his commitment to further education through the support of loved ones. His personal experiences with such challenges has left him with a deeper understanding and empathy for others in similar situations.
Elliott established a social enterprise known as Utter Rubbish in 2016. Utter Rubbish connects UK citizens more directly to local councils in order to stay updated on changes in recycling/waste management policies. The enterprise features a mobile app that allows users to receive swift updates on such policies in order to reduce overall waste production.
The process of launching this project included governmental partnerships, stakeholder collaboration, virtual roundtables, and much more. Currently, Elliot is studying at Keele University. He continues to campaign and organize for social innovation, sustainability, mental health, and homelessness. This includes lobbying for transitions to carbon neutrality, and his establishment of an informal network of fellow sustainable changemakers who are working across sectors.
Elliot has been published in several management and education journals, focusing on interdisciplinary learning and the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on blended learning processes. His research was also incorporated into a peer-reviewed book chapter with Elgar in 2021.
Other recognitions include a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Associate Fellow of the HEA, British Education Awards Finalist, Stoke City's Red and White Hero medal, and Trustee of the Year with Support Staffordshire. His aspirations for the near future include further developing sustainable student networks to offer support, analysis, and funding for enterprises addressing sustainability. The hope is to connect like-minded students to collaborate and address global issues like climate change, hunger, and coronavirus.