A national network maximising the impact of civic universities in their place
The Civic University Network is led by Sheffield Hallam University, and supports universities across the UK to develop and embed civic aspirations at an institutional level, particularly through developing and publishing Civic University Agreements.
We work with governments and strategic partners to ensure that a university’s geographic role and responsibility is used more effectively as an agent to drive positive societal change.
Our programme of work includes webinars delivering practical support , virtual case study showcases, and in-depth analysis of opportunities for – and barriers to – maximising civic impact.
Upcoming and recent events
Civic missions and societal challenges: what does it mean in Wales and Scotland?
9 May 2022This event provided universities engaged in civic work with an overview of the development of the civic agenda in Wales and Scotland, the place-based interpretation of policy and community collaboration, and the associated challenges and opportunities.
Ahead of the session, a blog has been co-created by colleagues from both nations and can be read here.
Connecting Civic to Climate Action
22 March 2022Going further and higher: deepening college and university collaborations
7 February 2022The event welcomed experts from across the four nations and across colleges and universities to discuss the joint report of the Independent Commission on the College of the Future and the Civic University Network and the question: How can college-university relationships be further developed across the four nations of the UK to better support individuals, employers and communities?
Our planned outcomes
- Widespread good practice is accelerating the civic agenda
Increased alignment and greater coherence in policy funding levers for civic activity
Civic roles will be informed by an evidence based analysis of the needs of the place, developed with local partners and informed by the voice of the community
Latest news
Civic mission in Wales & Scotland: context, community and collective challenges in civic space
Ahead of a webinar event taking place on 9th May 2022 exploring the development of the civic agenda in Wales and Scotland, Professor Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and [...]
Going Further and Higher: How collaboration between colleges and universities can transform lives and places
A new report calling for greater collaboration between colleges and universities sets out recommendations for governments and sector leaders to support regional priorities and deliver UK-wide economic recovery.Over the past [...]
The role of universities in addressing the climate emergency
Universities play a leading role in mitigating and adapting to climate change, reversing biodiversity loss, educating students, and working with communities to build a sustainable future. Addressing climate change [...]
Pandemic sparks pioneering new vision for collaboration between universities and the NHS
Universities and NHS organisations need to develop new refreshed forms of collaboration to deal with current and future challenges rather than resuming existing pre-pandemic relationships, according to a new [...]