Universities Partnership Showcase Webinar

May 29, 2024

The Universities Partnership Showcase Webinar highlighted the impactful collaboration between universities and local partners across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. During the session, attendees explored a range of civic initiatives and innovative projects that addressed regional priorities through education, research, and community engagement. The event brought together students, academics, policymakers, and local stakeholders, offering valuable insights into how universities are working collectively to create meaningful, long-term change in their communities.

The Universities Partnership Showcase Webinar offered a comprehensive overview of the Partnership’s evolution, structure, and civic impact across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The session began with a reflection on key accomplishments to date and an outline of the governance and management model that supports cross-university collaboration. Each of the theme groups presented updates, including the Education Theme Group’s work on Evolve, which supports student civic engagement and graduate retention, and the Environmental Sustainability Theme Group, which is advancing shared climate goals across institutions and local partners.

The webinar also spotlighted several major initiatives, such as the integration of the Social Value Portal to embed civic good into university procurement practices, and LCAN (Leicester Climate Action Network) as a collaborative vehicle for progressing toward net zero. Attendees learned about UP International, promoting global-local connections through civic missions, and Ventureversity, an emerging platform supporting inclusive innovation and enterprise. The event also celebrated recent external funding successes, highlighted emerging cross-institutional projects, and reflected on the wider regional and civic impact of the Partnership. The session concluded with an open Q&A, inviting ideas and feedback from participants to shape future priorities.