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.

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Upcoming and recent events

Nottingham Universities Civic University Agreement Showcase

14 November 2023

Working in Partnership for Place: Translating shared ambition into project delivery

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Civic Engagement Toolkit for Universities and Students

26 September 2023

The Civic University Network was delighted to host the One Community Forum toolkit presented by Student Hubs and the UPP Foundation.

watch recording

Civic University Network, Greater Manchester Civic Agreement Showcase

12 July 2023

The Greater Manchester Civic University Board members shared their key achievements, challenges, lessons learnt, and its work with the 50 Greater Manchester residents that make up their Greater Manchester Citizens!

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Stay in the know

Our free email newsletter provides the latest updates from the Network, including details of future events, commentary from our partners on civic topics, new resource releases, and more.

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Programme of work

The network has identified several key areas to support universities on their civic journey. Our current priorities include:

See all our areas of work

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

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Get involved

Is your institution developing innovative civic approaches?

We would love to hear from you and share best practice, learning, and case studies across the Network. You can submit a case study using the form below.

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