Civic Impact

Civic universities impact their places and communities across a range of areas. From improving the health and wellbeing of their communities, or addressing social disparities, to supporting regional economic development, civic universities make a difference in a number of ways.

The Civic University Network has several thematic areas of work covering different domains of civic activity.

Our current priority areas

Health, Wellbeing & the NHS

Exploring the valuable relationship between universities & the NHS to maximise collective benefits to society & the economy.

FE & HE Collaboration

Exploring the ways universities are working in partnership with Colleges within their place to drive up educational attainment and progression.

Environment, Climate & Biodiversity

Exploring the importance of the relationship between universities and their civic partners in driving forward green recovery.

Arts and Culture

Exploring the importance of the relationship between universities and the Arts and Culture Sector in their place.

Funding Civic

Exploring how universities fund civic activities, as well as helping to identify barriers and blind spots in the system.

Other thematic areas

Economic Impact

Supporting the role of universities to create more prosperous places and address and reduce economic inequality. 

Social Impact

Supporting universities to bridge and reduce social divides and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Institutional Strategy & Leadership

Examining universities’ top-level governance and strategies to ensure they reflect the civic commitment to make the difference they want to achieve.

Estates, Facilities & Placemaking

Supporting universities’ facilities to be used for the benefit of the whole community, also setting the standard for placemaking and sustainability in their place.

Get involved

Visit our resources section for guidance, support and toolkits to support your university’s journey to become more civic.