Civic engagement and regional partnership
Civic engagement and regional partnership
Our commitment to public good must be manifest and meaningful above all in York, Yorkshire and the North of England.
We will be the model of a university that shows what higher education can be - civic in purpose, bold in innovation, and uncompromising in the opportunities we open up with and for the communities around us.
By 2035 York will be recognised as the leading civic university in the UK, measured by innovation, investment, community reach, local employment impact and indicators of public trust.
York voices
What our community told us
“I am a first-generation student, first generation academic, York is in my soul - it's a special place and we should not underestimate access and opportunity.”
“I think making better connections and making better use of local employers. So, to integrate them into our teaching, because then I think it puts the learning much more in context, and motivates students more to engage.”
“The University seems absolutely committed to city growth, to opportunity, unlocking untapped economic potential, making sure our residents - particularly those that struggle or are in deprivation or have not had the best start - are allowed to be inspired or aspire to something more. We need to see even more of this.”
“Being out in the community and partnering on community needs is one of the biggest, most effective ways to create trust. I love it when organisations show that they care.”
“Our community partners and employers are key - we have no oversight of our stakeholders, we overwhelm them and miss opportunities open to us.”
“The civic pillar and a focus back on communities, the region is positive, welcomed and worth pursuing, it's what differentiates us.”
How we're rising to this challenge
Our strategic priorities
Driving Community Wealth and Local Opportunity
To deepen public trust by demonstrating our value as a civic anchor that exists in, of and for our city and region, and demonstrating commitment, relevance and influence in our communities, driving 'community wealth building' and opening up opportunity for those who live around us.
Attracting Talent, Investment and Partnership
To power inclusive regional economic development as the engine of innovation for our region, partnering with business, government and investors to create jobs, attract capital, and position York, Yorkshire and the North of England as a magnet for talent, innovation and investment.
powering the workforce
To close the regional and national skills gaps that limit our economic potential by ensuring our education provides lifelong opportunities and accessible pathways for all students, including commuter and regional learners, and the wider workforce.
SECURING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
To build financial resilience through partnership, diversifying our income by making public and private sector partnership central to how we design and deliver education and skills, and research and innovation programmes in our region.
Driving Community Wealth and Local Opportunity
To deepen public trust by demonstrating our value as a civic anchor that exists in, of and for our city and region, and demonstrating commitment, relevance and influence in our communities, driving 'community wealth building' and opening up opportunity for those who live around us.
Attracting Talent, Investment and Partnership
To power inclusive regional economic development as the engine of innovation for our region, partnering with business, government and investors to create jobs, attract capital, and position York, Yorkshire and the North of England as a magnet for talent, innovation and investment.
powering the workforce
To close the regional and national skills gaps that limit our economic potential by ensuring our education provides lifelong opportunities and accessible pathways for all students, including commuter and regional learners, and the wider workforce.
SECURING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
To build financial resilience through partnership, diversifying our income by making public and private sector partnership central to how we design and deliver education and skills, and research and innovation programmes in our region.
Paving the way
Key projects and initiatives
Community Wealth Building
Creating a resilient and inclusive economy through stronger social enterprises, deeper partnerships between major employers and the VCSE sector, and the development of skills and strategy needed to keep wealth, opportunity and impact rooted locally.
Launch York IGNITE
Our single, recognised brand for enterprise and commercialisation support, from start-up to scale-up, for staff, students, and regional businesses.
University of Opportunity
A philanthropically funded, life-cycle framework replacing isolated scholarships with sustained support from primary school to graduate employment, aimed at retaining talent and wealth in the region.
The York Pride of Place Board
Working with founding partner Aviva to unite university, business, voluntary sector, and council leaders in tackling York’s most pressing socio-economic challenges and building inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods.
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