New Civic Mission Strengthens University–Community Collaboration in Greater Manchester

Five Universities Unite Under Civic University Agreement to Improve Lives Across Greater Manchester

The University of Manchester and four other local institutions have reiterated their commitment to bettering the lives of the people in Greater Manchester. The renewed commitment is reflected in a refreshed set of civic priorities which form part of the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA). The CUA represents a joint commitment to align the strengths of the universities with the needs of local communities. These new priorities were introduced at a ceremony at the Royal Northern College of Music, attended by members of the Greater Manchester Citizens' Panel, the university, civic leaders, and Bury Council leader Councillor Eamonn O'Brien. The priorities were created in close consultation with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), taking into account the suggestions made by the Citizens' Panel, to ensure that the universities' civic mission finds a place in the everyday life of local people.

According to Professor Henley, the universities of Greater Manchester are intertwined in the social and economic fabric of the region. Reflecting the long-term commitment to developing an equitable, healthier, greener, and opportunity-rich city-region, said updated priorities constitute a clear instance of social responsibility amongst UK universities and progress the concept of civic engagement into higher education, much for regional development. The aforementioned Civic mission is a partnership of The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, Royal Northern College of Music, and the University of Greater Manchester, thereby jointly giving rise to one of the powerful regional innovation-education partnerships with lived value through university research and community development.

The four refreshed civic priorities, Opportunity & Prosperity, Health & Wellbeing, Culture, and Environment, outline the areas where Greater Manchester universities can maximise their collaborative impact. These priorities focus on widening access to education, promoting lifelong learning, and driving innovation to support good employment. They also include training future doctors and healthcare professionals, supporting mental health, and addressing health inequalities through research. Cultural engagement focuses on celebrating regional strengths, arts accessibility, and skill development in creativity. Finally, the universities aim to integrate sustainability into teaching and research, to help achieve net zero and prepare communities for future green jobs.

These priorities reflect the goals within the University of Manchester's civic engagement strategy as well as its larger role within the civic university agreement in Manchester. Collectively, these universities add over £4 billion to the local economy annually, educate over 100,000 students, and play host to millions of residents through public engagement. Collectively, from 2022 to 2027, they are estimated to produce over 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors, and 8,500 teachers, underlining their important role in developing the workforce of the region. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, in acknowledging the extensive impact of the universities, pointed out that their contribution goes beyond the education sector. He further stated that the refreshed priorities mark the universities’ impact across society and the economy in job creation and business support, as well as cultural enrichment. He also suggested that the universities would be a vital contributor to deliver Greater Manchester’s vision for the next decade of growth.

By renewing their civic mission, the universities have thus recommitted to working ever more closely with civic partners and communities towards the joint ambition of making Greater Manchester a place where everyone may prosper. In this way, they have begun to reach out for a quick reply to the question: What is the new civic mission of Greater Manchester universities? A mission anchored within collaboration, inclusion, and long-term regional development.

Editor’s Note:

Greater Manchester's universities urgently need a renewed civic mission. At a time when all regions are seeking practical solutions to improve lives, such partnerships can demonstrate how higher education can and should contribute. The University of Manchester and other institutions should actively participate in transforming people into fairer, healthier, and greener city-regions. This initiative is clearly defined: universities are collaborating with local authorities and residents to create a tangible impact. They are training thousands of future nurses and teachers, while also championing mental health and social sustainability. This demonstrates the powerful results achievable when university researchers and community developers work together. Greater Manchester's universities exemplify civic engagement at its best, grounded, inclusive, and forward-looking. 

Skoobuzz underscores that this leadership should serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating how adopting civic university agreements could foster stronger communities through more joined-up thinking. It's time for others to follow suit.

FAQs

1. What is the new civic mission of Greater Manchester universities?

The refreshed civic mission is part of the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA), through which five universities, including the University of Manchester, have committed to aligning their strengths with the needs of local communities. The mission focuses on improving lives across the city-region through collaboration, inclusion, and long-term regional development.

2. Which universities are part of the Greater Manchester civic mission?

The civic mission includes the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the University of Greater Manchester. Together, they form a powerful regional innovation and education partnership.

3. How are Manchester universities strengthening their local community impact?

The universities are working closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Citizens’ Panel to ensure their civic priorities reflect the real needs of residents. They contribute to public health, education, culture, and sustainability while supporting economic growth and social inclusion.

4. What are the four refreshed civic priorities of Greater Manchester universities?

The four priorities are:

• Opportunity & Prosperity: Expanding access to education, lifelong learning, and innovation to support employment.

• Health & Wellbeing: Training healthcare professionals, supporting mental health, and addressing health inequalities.

• Culture: Promoting arts and creativity, celebrating regional strengths, and building creative skills.

• Environment: Embedding sustainability in education and research, supporting net-zero goals, and preparing for green jobs.

5. How does higher education contribute to regional development in Manchester?

Greater Manchester universities contribute over £4 billion annually to the local economy, educate more than 100,000 students, and engage millions of residents through public events. Between 2022 and 2027, they are expected to train over 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors, and 8,500 teachers—playing a vital role in workforce development.

6. What are the goals of the University of Manchester’s civic engagement strategy?

The University of Manchester aims to support a fairer, healthier, and greener city-region by working in partnership with civic bodies and communities. Its strategy includes widening educational access, advancing public health, promoting cultural engagement, and supporting environmental sustainability.

7. How does the Civic University Agreement Manchester support social responsibility?

The CUA ensures that universities act as active civic partners, not separate institutions. It promotes university social responsibility in the UK by embedding community needs into research, teaching, and public engagement.

8. What role did the Citizens’ Panel and GMCA play in shaping the new priorities?

The Citizens’ Panel and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) provided direct input into the development of the refreshed priorities. Their involvement ensured that the universities’ civic mission remains grounded in the everyday experiences and aspirations of local residents.

9. What did Mayor Andy Burnham say about the universities’ civic role?

Mayor Andy Burnham acknowledged the universities’ wide-ranging impact, noting their contribution to job creation, business support, and cultural enrichment. He emphasised their importance in delivering Greater Manchester’s vision for the next decade of inclusive growth.

10. Why is this civic mission considered a model for other regions?

The initiative demonstrates how higher education civic engagement can lead to tangible improvements in public life. It offers a replicable framework for other UK regions seeking to strengthen community ties through university research and development.