The (NCIA) is a pioneering initiative harnessing the collective power of the higher education sector to work for the good of their places, deepen their civic impact and amplify their contributions. Funded by Research England, it is led by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), The Institute for Community Studies, City-REDI, and Queen Mary University of London.
The funding supports the NCIA's mission to enhance the higher education sector's civic activities for local societal, economic, and environmental benefit, helping universities maximise their contribution toward addressing societal challenges and policy priorities.
The funded partnerships and their initiatives include:
- Anglia Ruskin University: Developing employment opportunities on their Cambridge campus, providing local people with work experience and access to university resources for career development.
- University of Kent: Expanding their pioneering "Right to Food" initiative in partnership with the Food Foundation, creating a blueprint for other universities to follow.
- Lancaster University and University of Plymouth: Creating a toolkit for effective place-based community engagement and developing an online community hub to enhance dialogue with local communities.
- Staffordshire University: Leading the Collaborative Value Initiative (CVI) with Teesside University, Anglia Ruskin University, and CityREDI at the University of Birmingham to support the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector.
- Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London: Establishing a civic fellowship focused on addressing health inequalities through the lens of insecure housing in South London, in partnership with Citizens UK and South East London Anchor System.
- The Bath Partnership: Developing a comprehensive understanding of Inclusive Innovation through collaboration between the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath and North East Somerset Council, and Bath College.
Gemma Adams, Project Manager of the NCIA Action Learning Process at NCCPE, said: "The NCIA action learning process has provided the time and space for partnerships to test and trial different approaches to civic activity. The six projects funded through the programme give a flavour of the breadth and variety of civic work being undertaken in the action learning process and beyond."
The innovation funding will support these partnerships in piloting and testing innovative practices while measuring their effectiveness in addressing civic challenges across England.
Adam Leach, NCIA Programme Director, said: “The six innovative civic partnership projects receiving funding through the NCIA are set to make a significant difference in communities across England. From tackling food insecurity and employment challenges to developing tools for community engagement and social value measurement, these initiatives showcase the transformative potential of university-community collaborations.
“By supporting diverse and impactful projects, we're not only fostering local innovation but also creating valuable models that can be adapted and scaled across the higher education sector. These partnerships exemplify how universities can drive meaningful change when working hand-in-hand with local partners to address pressing societal needs.”
