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.
Introducing the National Civic Impact Accelerator
The Network is proud to announce the National Civic Impact Accelerator, a new £4.3m investment in the national civic university movement.
NCIA is an ambitious new initiative to generate and mobilise intelligence of what works, for whom and in what contexts; catalyse and share civic innovations; and provide universities with the framework and tools to deliver meaningful, measurable civic strategies and activities.
Icon by Oleksandr Panasovskyi from Noun Project
Upcoming and recent events
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
Sheffield Hallam and partners awarded £3.7m to support universities to maximise their local impact
Sheffield Hallam and its partners have been awarded £3.7m to support universities across the country to develop their civic leadership, maximising their local social and economic impact and helping to ...
Civic University Agreement Launch: Queen Mary University of London opening the doors of opportunity to East London and beyond
Queen Mary University of London is a large organisation rooted in place, always striving to be the best anchor institution it can be. Their Civic University Agreement brings together ...
Civic University Agreement Launch: Aston strengthen role in local community
Aston University celebrated the official launch of its civic agreement with strategic partners from the city and region at an event hosted by Aston Villa Football Club on Wednesday 8 ...
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 ...