Our Civic University Agreement

Our Civic University Agreement

Strengthening the connection between the University and the county

Welcome

Welcome to the launch of our Civic University Agreement. This initiative will harness the work, influence and energy of the students, staff and alumni of the University to promote societal, economic and environmental advancements in, and for, the people of Suffolk. We have strongly positioned the University at the heart of the community and this initiative is designed to enhance our community engagement across the county.

The Civic University project has led to cocreated pledges by the University and its stakeholders to reach objectives which have defined benefits for community groups and the people of Suffolk.

We recognise we can’t do this on our own and the key to success is collaboration with our partners. Our civic role is predominantly a team role and many of our partners have contributed during the development of the project. Their ongoing commitment and support are of significant value to the University and our region.

This is the start of the next stage of development of our University and our area, and we look forward to working with our students, staff, alumni and partners as we expand our community partnerships to shape a brighter future for our county and beyond.

Thank you all for your support.

Professor Gurpreet Jagpal Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business and Entrepreneurship

What is a Civic University?

The University of Suffolk has, at the heart of its mission, a responsibility to be a model for a new type of civic university — embedded, influential and with a focus on societal and economic change in the communities it serves.

Our community engagement is about sharing knowledge, consulting and collaborating with, and providing a service for, our communities and enriching cultural life. All our activity should be mutually beneficial to the public and to the University, and complement our primary contribution to society of providing education.

Across the UK the Civic University Network is pioneering initiatives harnessing the collective power of the higher education sector to drive societal, economic, and environmental advancements in the places they call home. The Civic University Agreement for the University of Suffolk is the first step of our journey.

A series of consultation events were held with the public, stakeholders, staff and students to help inform the Civic University Agreement’s guiding principles. The word clouds (Figures 1 and 2) illustrate the feedback from the staff survey and the general public survey, and have helped shape our principles: community roots and engagement; embedding the civic university principles into teaching and research; bringing organisations together; and improving communication and visibility.

Linking the guiding principles to the University’s areas of distinctiveness — preserving and celebrating the culture and

heritage of Suffolk; fostering sustainable economic growth and regeneration; enhancing skills and aspirations beyond traditional higher education; addressing the health challenges of the region and harnessing digital innovation — has led to a series of pledges outlined on pages 6 and 7.

Figure 1: Word cloud based on staff survey

Figure 2: Word cloud based on public survey

Civic Guiding Principles

Civic Foundations: Local Roots, Global Reach

This principle emphasises the University’s civic commitment to our county-wide community while expanding its influence nationally and internationally. We recognise the importance of balancing our local responsibilities with our aspirations to contribute to global dialogues and initiatives. This principle guides us to nurture a local identity that is informed by, and contributes to, international perspectives and solutions. We will ensure inclusivity, incorporating explicit efforts to engage with both urban and rural communities within Suffolk, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across the entire county.

Civic Academic Integration: Fusing Civic Values with Academic Endeavours

This principle shapes our educational research and knowledge exchange activities, ensuring they are not only reflective of the highest academic standards but also responsive to the evolving needs of our community. By integrating civic engagement into the curriculum, we aim to cultivate a sense of social responsibility among students, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and skills in addressing real-world challenges. In the realm of research this principle guides our enquiry and exploration towards projects with tangible community benefits. Prioritising partnerships with local organisations, we direct our research efforts towards addressing societal challenges, thereby ensuring our academic contributions are both relevant and impactful.

Civic Forum: The University as a Community Hub

The University of Suffolk aspires to be “Suffolk’s Civic Hub,” a central convening force at the heart of the community. This vision positions the University not merely as a place of learning but as a dynamic hub that facilitates interactions, dialogues, and partnerships among all sectors of society. The University will act as a facilitator and convener, leveraging its intellectual and physical resources and facilities to support a vibrant exchange of ideas, foster collaborative endeavours, and serve as a catalyst for community initiatives. This role extends beyond the academic to embrace a broad spectrum of societal interests, making the University of Suffolk a nexus where individuals and organisations converge to inspire and enact change.

Civic Dialogue: Transparent Communication, Amplified Voice, Engaged Community

The essence of our mission is not only to expand our academic and civic contributions but also to ensure they are recognised and accessible by the community at large. The ‘Civic Dialogue’ principle focuses on enhancing our communication strategies to ensure clarity, consistency, and openness in our interactions with all stakeholders. It’s about being a university that not only listens but also effectively communicates its ideas, achievements, and plans, ensuring our voice is coherent and resonates across various platforms.

Civic Themes

Cultural Heritage and Creative Futures: Celebrating Suffolk’s Legacy

Preserving and innovating Suffolk’s cultural heritage, fostering appreciation and collaboration for community cohesion and identity.

Prospering Futures: Driving Sustainable Growth and Innovation

Promoting sustainable economic growth and social enterprise, stimulating innovation for a green and prosperous economy.

Transforming Futures: Lifelong Learning for Community Prosperity

Enhancing education and skills for all, supporting career development and socio-economic growth through lifelong learning.

Integrated Health Futures: Building Community Wellbeing

Addressing holistic health challenges through education, research, and community engagement for a healthier, resilient community.

Digital Futures: Bridging Digital Frontiers

Harnessing digital technology for empowerment and innovation, ensuring accessibility, and fostering a culture of digital literacy.

Our Civic Pledges

We pledge to engage in partnerships that foster a vibrant local culture and economy while showcasing our contributions on a global stage, ensuring that the unique needs and voices of Suffolk’s communities are heard and valued.

We commit to facilitating inclusive community projects that bridge urban and rural divides, promoting a unified and resilient regional identity.

We pledge to continue integrating civic engagement and social responsibility themes more visibly and relevantly across our curriculum, and to expand our community-based learning opportunities, enabling students to work directly with local organisations on projects that drive social change.

We commit to fostering interdisciplinary research that addresses the realworld challenges of our region, translating academic excellence into tangible societal benefits.

We pledge to serve as a central hub and convener for the University, its students, and the broader community, enabling a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaborative solutions.

We will offer our facilities as a convening space for community organisations, fostering a hub of civic and cultural activity.

We pledge to enhance our communication strategies to ensure our civic activities and achievements are visible and accessible to all community members.

We commit to actively seeking and incorporating community feedback into our initiatives, ensuring our efforts reflect the needs and aspirations of the people we serve.

We pledge to collaborate with local artists, historians, and cultural institutions to preserve, celebrate, and innovate upon Suffolk’s rich cultural heritage.

We pledge to partner with local businesses and innovators to drive sustainable economic growth, focusing on sectors critical to Suffolk’s prosperity.

We pledge to expand access to educational opportunities for all ages, supporting lifelong learning and career development within our community.

We pledge to collaborate with healthcare providers and organisations to address the health challenges of our region, focusing on integrated and holistic care models.

We pledge to leverage digital innovation to enhance civic engagement, educational access, and community services, ensuring digital inclusivity for all.

We are proud of our work to date to promote community engagement and are grateful for the support provided by the following partners. We look forward to working with them in the future.

Find out more about our Civic University project

Phone +44 (0)1473 338000

Email engage@uos.ac.uk