Civic Leadership Module

Start your Journey

Step into an interactive civic leadership module designed for anyone who wants to deepen their civic impact through their role in, with, or around a university. Whether you work in professional services, lead a project, or contribute as an engaged academic, this space invites you to see your everyday work as part of a wider civic mission

This tool was developed by The Institute for Community Studies as part of the National Civic Impact Accelerator programme, funded by Research England.

What you can do here

  • Explore what civic leadership means in your role and context.

  • Trace the roots of the civic university movement and your institution's anchor role in place.

  • Use the NCIA seven terrains and 14 waypoints to navigate complex civic landscapes.

  • Identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact in your own projects.

  • Strengthen inclusive leadership skills for working with communities and partners.

  • Reflect on your civic leadership practice and plan how to influence strategy and policy.

About this module

This module explores how universities can make a genuine difference in the places they belong to, drawing on the NCIA's Civic Field Guide and wider sector learning. You will trace the historical and social foundations of civic engagement, examine universities' roles as anchor institutions, and consider how power, place, and partnership shape university community relationships.​

You will also delve into the values that underpin the civic mission of higher education, from equity and inclusion to co‑creation and accountability, and consider what these look like in your daily practice.

The module is self‑paced and designed for reflective, thoughtful engagement rather than quick completion. Take some time to explore.

How to view the Civic Impact Dashboard

The Civic Impact Dashboard is best experienced on a desktop, laptop or tablet. Please switch to one of these devices for access to its visual features.

Want to go full screen?

See the options in the bottom right of the viewer, or if you're having issues, click below to open the module in the Genially App.

Lost your place or need to return later?

You can navigate the Civic Leadership Module using the 'hamburger' menu in the top‑left of the viewer, and easily jump back into the unit you last explored.

Alternatively, click the pages option after clicking on the three dots in the bottom‑right of the viewer to move straight to a specific page.