A national network of universities committed to transforming lives and places
The Civic University Network and the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) are pioneering initiatives harnessing the collective power of the higher education sector to drive societal, economic, and environmental advancements in the places they call home.
Since 2020, Sheffield Hallam University, working with a consortium of partners, has led the development of the Civic University Network and NCIA, helping universities across the UK work for the good of their places, deepen their civic impact and amplify their contributions. This work has established a strong foundation of tools, evidence and relationships to support universities' civic commitments.
Building on this legacy, from January 2026, the Network is being led by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), working with a consortium of founding partners, to sustain and grow the civic movement in the UK. The partnership will maintain and develop the Network, steward the community, and support universities and their partners to use their geographic role and responsibility more effectively as an agent of positive societal change.
Stay connected with the Civic University Network
As the Civic University Network moves into its next phase in January 2026, and as national conversations about Civic 2.0 gather pace, we want to make sure you stay connected.
We are moving our primary mailing list to JISCMail so that we can continue to share updates, events and opportunities across the network.
To continue receiving news about the Civic University Network, upcoming events and wider developments in the civic agenda, please subscribe:
CiviCon25
CiviCon25 brought together a powerful community of civic practitioners, university leaders, and partners for two energising days of shared learning and inspiration. From lively discussions to hands-on workshops and storytelling sessions, the conference created space to explore what's next for civic higher education, and how we can create deeper impact through collaboration.
Held on 14–15 October 2025, CiviCon25 was more than a meeting of minds; it was a reminder of the creativity, commitment, and collective leadership driving the civic movement forward. Participants left with new tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose for shaping partnership-led change across towns, cities, and regions.
The conversations don't end here. Explore highlights, resources, and reflections from CiviCon25 to continue the journey and stay connected with the growing civic community shaping the future of higher education.
Recent events
Browse and sign-up to our exciting programme of events here. Missed out? Don't worry, we record most of our events so you can catch-up on demand.
Becoming Civic
08 October 2024, 13:00-15:0008 October 2024
At this webinar, we delved into themes emerging from the NCIA's Action Learning Programme (ALP), and some of the emerging insights we'd gathered along the way. Presented by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) and Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research.
Latest Publications from the Network, the NCIA Programme & our Partners
Our reports and toolkits are crafted to address real-world challenges faced by universities as they navigate their civic journeys. From tackling environmental issues to building equitable partnerships, they offer actionable insights to help institutions make a tangible difference in their places.
Explore the latest resources from the Civic University Network and the National Civic Impact Accelerator designed to support universities and their partners in place to deepen their civic impact.
Guide to Developing a Civic University Agreement
The Geography of Higher Education in England and Wales
Equitable Partnerships for Civic Engagement
The Role of Universities in Addressing the Climate Emergency
Civic Impact
Our mission is to assist universities throughout the UK to establish effective collaborations with other stakeholders to benefit their local communities.
Universities can contribute to the places they call home in various ways, which we describe as the domains of Civic Impact.
We have identified seven domains of Civic Impact, and we support universities to devise and implement effective strategies to make significant, positive differences in their local communities.
Latest news
Future of the Civic University Network
The Network's National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) comes to a planned close at the end of 2025, after three years of intensive work to accelerate the UK's civic university movement. ...
Six innovative civic projects funded through the National Civic Impact Accelerator
Six university-led partnerships will receive a share of £60,000 to advance their civic engagement initiatives thanks to innovation funding from National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) programme. The (NCIA) is ...
New Essay Collection on the Transformative Civic Role of Universities Launched in Memory of Lord Bob Kerslake
The UPP Foundation has today (Wednesday 10 July) launched a new collection of essays from leading thinkers across different sectors outlining the economic and social benefits universities have on their ...
CiviCon24: Driving Civic Engagement in Higher Education
The National Civic Impact Accelerator is thrilled to announce CiviCon24, a groundbreaking conference that will bring together leaders, professionals, and academics from across the higher education sector to explore ...
Our planned outcomes
Connect with us
We're here to support and collaborate with universities, communities, and partners who share our vision for civic engagement. Whether you have questions, ideas, or simply want to learn more about our work, we'd love to hear from you.