CiviCon24: Driving Civic Engagement in Higher Education

The event will take place on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 June 2024 at Sheffield Hallam University. CiviCon24 aims to highlight exemplary civic initiatives and provide institutions with practical tools to develop and expand their civic impact. The conference will feature a dynamic and varied event programme, with a focus on showcasing best practices and fostering collaboration among universities. Featuring guest speakers: Professor Liz Mossop (Vice-Chancellor, Sheffield Hallam University); Professor John Goddard, (Visiting Professor, Sheffield Hallam University); Sophie Duncan (NCCPE Co-Director) with more to be announced soon.

Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said:

“We are excited to host CiviCon24 and bring together those dedicated to civic impact in higher education to discuss the critical role universities play in shaping their place and local communities. This event will provide a platform for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and driving positive change through civic engagement drawing on the expertise and experience from partners across the sector.”

The conference is open to university leaders, professionals, and academics who are navigating the civic landscape within higher education, as well as senior leaders who are driving change within their institutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, attend thought-provoking sessions, and participate in interactive workshops.

The first and second wave of conference sessions has now been confirmed, delegates can expect sessions on cultural activism, participatory approaches and climate action with innovative and creative approaches such as ‘Building a Civic House’, ‘Civic Poetry Collaborations’ and International perspectives featuring representatives from around the world. You can view all confirmed sessions and the descriptions on the conference webpage here.

As part of CiviCon24, all delegates will attend a three-course conference dinner in the iconic Cutler’s Hall with high-profile speakers: Prof. Liz Mossop (Vice Chancellor, Sheffield Hallam University), Prof. Koen Lamberts (President and Vice Chancellor, University of Sheffield), Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL (Chair of Trustees for Wentworth Woodhouse), Alexis Krachai (President, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce), Councillor Tom Hunt (Leader of the Council, Sheffield City Council) and more to be announced.

Across both days of CiviCon24 delegates will also enjoy full access to CiviFest to hear and share stories of civic impact. This is a dedicated conference fringe area comprising of:

• the CiviFest Main Stage – hosting 10 minute civic showcase presentations where they can hear from a variety of case studies and take part in the follow up Q&A sessions.
• Interactive stalls
• Civic showcase displays
• Video storytelling
• Spaces to relax, network, and workspaces for those unavoidable email check-ups while they’re out of office!

Adam Leach, Programme Director of the National Civic Impact Accelerator said:

“CiviCon24 represents a pivotal moment for universities to come together and redefine their role as civic institutions. We’ll be learning about exemplary civic approaches and initiatives, hearing inspiring stories and case studies, and developing shared practical tools. But, more importantly, this conference is about driving systemic change and unlocking the full potential of higher education as a force for social good. Universities were originally designed to be engines of social transformation, connecting knowledge with real, local, needs. CiviCon24 is a growing movement of those of us who think we shouldn’t lose sight of this fundamental purpose.”

Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice Principal (Strategy and Partnerships) at Queen Mary University of London and Chair of the NCIA Advisory Board said:

‘I am immensely proud of the pioneering agenda set for CiviCon24. This event epitomises the forefront of innovation in the civic university domain. Our selected facilitators bring a profound depth of knowledge and expertise, promising to enrich and inspire all participants on their respective civic paths. I strongly urge all stakeholders engaged in this vital sector to attend CiviCon24, where they will gain unparalleled opportunities to connect with leading figures and influencers across the field.’

Sophie Heaton, Project Manager of the National Civic Impact Accelerator, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer a remarkable line-up of workshops, sessions, and speakers for CiviCon24. We have the privilege of featuring representatives from universities across the UK, as well as from international organisations, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the table. This conference is set to be a great platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and celebration of civic university initiatives. It’s an opportunity to engage with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers, to learn from their experiences, and to share your own. It’s a space for dialogue, for connection, and for collective action. We truly believe that CiviCon24 will be a pivotal event, sparking new ideas, forging new partnerships, and inspiring new initiatives. We’re so proud of what we’ve put together, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

Tania Carregha, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Community Studies said:

“We’re looking forward to CiviCon24, the first dedicated space for civic universities. We’re excited to bring together thinkers, doers and funders to reflect on what is working when it comes to the civic role of universities. There’s so much potential for universities to play a bigger role in shaping and improving their places. This space will provide the opportunity for universities to learn from one another to maximise the impact of their civic activities. It starts with a conversation, with sharing what has gone well and what has been learned.’

For more information about CiviCon24 please visit the dedicated webpage:

You can book tickets to attend CiviCon24 here (ticket sales close Friday 4 June):