Agreement

Our Civic Agreement

Who We Are

The Universities Partnership is a collaborative initiative bringing together higher education institutions across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Our Mission is to foster meaningful connections between universities, local communities, business, and public sector organisations to drive positive social, economic, and environmental change.

Our Vision

We believe universities play a critical role in shaping the places they are a part of. Through research, education, and community engagement, we aim to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future in the region.

The Universities Partnership is built upon our shared commitment outlined in our civic agreement. This agreement formalizes our dedication to working together on key regional priorities, ensuring that the impact of our universities extends beyond campus walls and into the communities we serve.

Through the Civic Agreement, we focus, via our five theme groups, on:

  • Driving Economic Growth — Supporting graduate retention, local employment, and innovation.
  • Enhancing Community Wellbeing — Partnering with local organisation to improve health, sustainability, and social inclusion.
  • Advancing Education & Skills — Creating opportunities for lifelong learning, upskilling, and access to higher education.
  • Promoting Environmental Sustainability — Working towards net zero goals and embedding sustainability across the university operations.

Since its launch on 28th June 2022, the Universities Partnership has led various projects, including sustainability-focused research collaboration, student civic engagement reports, and regional graduate retention programs.

The partnership has secured more than £1milllion in External funding with projects such as the Leicestershire Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero receiving £500,000 by Innovate UK and the Rutland County Council Shared Prosperity Fund. By working together, we amplify our collective impact and ensure that the universities remain key drivers of regional success, whilst also enhancing the university’s reputation.

Connect With Us

The Universities Partnership is committed to strengthening the region through collaboration in education, research, and community engagement. For more information about our work and impact, find us:

universities partnership logo
DMU logo
University of Leicester Logo
loughborough university logo
Leicestershire county council logo
Rutland county council logo
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council logo
Charnwood Borough council logo


Our Civic Universities Agreement