Civic engagement

As a Civic University, we believe that civic engagement is critical to our success. By working in partnership with communities, organisations and civic leaders from across Manchester and Greater Manchester, we believe we will improve our own practice, and the lives of people in the region. 

Civic University Agreement

We are working in partnership with five higher education institutions and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver our Civic University Agreement which aims to advance wellbeing and prosperity in Greater Manchester.

Our commitment to civic engagement can be seen in our research that involves our population and informs local policies, our engagement through staff and student experience activities, the social impact of our cultural institutions, our role as an economic anchor and our alignment to the Greater Manchester strategy and ambitions.

As Britain's first civic university, we were founded by and for the people of Manchester. Contributing to the well-being and prosperity of Greater Manchester is a fundamental part of our purpose.

Our core goals of research and discovery, teaching and learning and social responsibility are enhanced, and inspired, by our city region and its pioneering spirit. We actively engage local communities, involve a wide range of people in our work and listen to public concerns and aspirations across our region.

Universities are judged by the quality of their work with the public and their local communities. We hold a Platinum Watermark for this work with the NCCPE, are ranked at the top end of our cluster for public and community engagement in England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF). We are the UK and Europe’s top institution and second in the world for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education), measured against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.