ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

This Civic Partnership Agreement is underpinned by the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s vision to become the University for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.

Our unique position as a large institution with expertise in research, knowledge services and education, and numerous strong and long-standing partnerships with other key local organisations makes us well placed to work collaboratively on new initiatives,  and build on what's already being done in the community. Together we are promoting inclusion and enriching the economic, social and cultural life in the city of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and surrounding areas.

With a large tourism and culture industry, existing educational inequalities and a large number of small and medium size enterprises – there's never been a greater need for large local anchor institutions and community organisations to come together with strategic focus on levelling up.

We proactively support the needs of our local region, in our areas of mutual strength, in terms of the environment, equality, inclusion and diversity, educational aspiration and attainment, health and wellbeing, workforce capability and prosperity.

Our boundaries are not limited by geography. We're directed by need and our assessment of where we can mobilise our collective expertise and resources, to have the most significant positive impact for our region and with the rest of the UK.

Six initial priorities

Our initial priorities were identified during 18 months of local stakeholder consultation and public opinion surveying, alongside a consideration of our mutual strengths and current local needs.

1. Address long-term educational inequality in our region

We work with local partners to help address educational inequality, particularly in areas with low higher education participation. This includes initiatives like the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Education Partnership, our outreach programmes, and the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Academy Trust (UPAT), which aim to raise aspiration and attainment from early years to adulthood. Our Football Club Scholarships further help extend opportunities to young people who may face barriers to progression.

2. Provide and support initiatives to fill the health and care gaps in the region

We support regional health and care needs through clinical services, education, and collaborative research. Our Dental Academy provides essential public services, and our partnership with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Hospitals University NHS Trust and King’s College London underpins the development of a new Medical Degree programme aimed at growing the local health workforce. We also offer a wide range of healthcare professions courses in collaboration with the NHS, helping to train the healthcare professionals of the future. Through the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), we are working with the city to better understand and address the wider social factors that influence health.

3. Support sustained economic growth in our region

Through strategic partnerships, we contribute to local innovation, business growth, and graduate employment. Our Business Consultancy Projects and work with Shaping ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offer tailored support, while dedicated spaces at the university provide hubs for enterprise and collaboration. We also support the visitor economy through the Heritage Hub, which connects researchers and local heritage organisations to preserve, interpret, and share the city’s unique cultural history.

4. Improve our environmental stability

We aim to become a climate-positive university by 2030, contributing to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. Our research and community work spans biodiversity, clean energy, climate education, and coastal regeneration. Local engagement includes beach cleans, marine repopulation initiatives, and public events hosted in partnership with community groups, the Library, and student-led environmental outreach.

5. Open up our institutions

We’re committed to making our spaces, expertise, and opportunities more accessible to the wider community. This includes public lectures, access to the Ravelin Sports Centre and Library, and free legal support through our Legal Advice Clinic. We also promote student and staff volunteering and partner on grassroots projects that foster local connection and civic pride.

6. Promote diversity and inclusion in our community through engagement and leadership

We seek to use our global connections to strengthen local partnerships and promote inclusion. We collaborate with groups such as the Ghana Association of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, the Chinese Association, and the Bangladesh Business Association, while supporting cultural events including ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Pride and Black History Month. We’re also working towards becoming a University of Sanctuary and proudly uphold our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising and supporting the contributions of service personnel, veterans, and their families.