GO! Southampton signs Civic Charter

The charter was signed by GO! Southampton Executive Director Stephen Manion alongside Southampton Solent University Vice‑Chancellor Professor James Knowles, marking a formal commitment to working together in support of Southampton’s communities, economy and city centre.

Aligned on core goals such as driving inclusive growth, empowering local people and ensuring Southampton’s city centre is vibrant and welcoming, GO! Southampton and Solent University already work closely together on a range of initiatives.

Professor James Knowles, Vice‑Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, said:

“Our Civic Charter is about using the strength of our university to make a meaningful difference locally. GO! Southampton plays a vital role in shaping a thriving, inclusive city centre, and their commitment to collaboration strongly reflects our shared civic values. By working together, we can create opportunities, support skills development and ensure Southampton continues to prosper for everyone who lives, works and studies here.”

Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton, added:

“At GO! Southampton, we believe strong places are built through collaboration. Signing Southampton Solent University’s Civic Charter reflects our shared commitment to empowering communities, supporting inclusive opportunity, and ensuring local voices help shape the city’s future. Together, we can turn civic values into real, lasting impact for Southampton.”

Through the Civic Charter, Southampton Solent University and its signatories have pledged to develop new partnerships that broaden skills and learning opportunities, embed industry voice within practice‑led education, open up university facilities and expertise to the wider community, and ensure appropriate access and support so learners from all backgrounds can achieve their full potential.