Speakers
- Gemma Adams and Zoe Williamson (National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement)
- Julian Dobson and Femi Owolade (Sheffield Hallam University)
- Julia Carr (Anglia Ruskin University)
- Kieran Fenby-Hulse (Teeside University)
- Nicola Gratton (Staffordshire University)
Session abstract
Interest in how universities can act for the good of their localities in partnership with local stakeholders has grown significantly in recent years. A three-year programme funded by Research England, the National Civic Impact Accelerator, aims to gather evidence and share learning about how such work can be encouraged and supported. Some of the participants in that programme will share what they have learned so far about their ‘civic journeys’ at this seminar.
This seminar will feature representatives from universities that are taking part in a peer learning process facilitated by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement, alongside some of the staff involved in the NCIA programme. It will highlight some of the successes and learning they have shared, as well as reflections on the opportunities and challenges that face universities that want to prioritise their civic work.
Biographies
Gemma Adams and Zoe Williamson are facilitating an action learning programme as part of the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) project. They are based at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement at Bristol.
Julian Dobson and Femi Owolade are researchers in CRESR working with NCIA and observing the action learning programme.
Our guest speakers work within universities that are participating in the action learning programme.
Julia Carr is Anglia Ruskin University’s Community Listening and Community Organising Lead. She is involved in developing the university’s ongoing understanding and response to its civic ambitions, primarily through her work in building relationships with the communities it serves.
Kieran Fenby-Hulse is Associate Dean for Research and Innovation (People and Place) and Research Director for the Institute of Collective Place Leadership at Teesside University. Kieran is lead for the University's AHRC Impact Acceleration Account and a co-investigator on the NIHR-funded South Tees Health Research Determinants Collaboration. His research explores how the arts and humanities approaches can shape, inform and underpin approaches to civic, policy, and community engagement and leadership.
Nicola Gratton is Lead for Civic Engagement and Evaluation at Staffordshire University. She has an extensive background in youth and community development and leads on Staffordshire University's Connected Communities strategy. Her research specialism is the use of Participatory Action Research to address social inequalities.
