Maritime Solent signs Civic Charter with Solent University

Maritime Solent is the latest organisation to sign up to Southampton Solent University’s Civic Charter, strengthening ties between the region’s education, business and community sectors.

Stuart Baker, Chief Executive of Maritime Solent, signed the charter alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor James Knowles at the Maritime Solent Summit in Portsmouth - a key event that brings together industry leaders, academics and policymakers to showcase the region’s world leading maritime cluster.

Commenting at the event, Stuart Baker said, “Maritime Solent is proud to sign Southampton Solent University’s Civic Charter because skills and innovation sit at the heart of the future of our maritime sector. Working closely with the University allows us to nurture talent, support practical innovation, and ensure the Solent continues to thrive as a forward‑looking, globally competitive maritime region.”

They join a growing list of leading institutions from across the city and surrounding area -including Southampton City Council, Southampton Football Club and most recently Solent Growth Partnership - in backing Solent’s vision to support local people in achieving their potential.

The Civic Charter commits Solent and its partners to developing new partnerships that broaden the University’s course portfolio, creating skills development opportunities beyond the traditional undergraduate market. It also pledges to ensure provision is practice-led, with industry voices embedded within Impact Boards spanning maritime, business and law, STEM, the creative industries, and health care and wellbeing.

Signatories further agree to work together in maximising use of the University' facilities, making them more widely accessible for industry to benefit from the University’s knowledge and resources. A strong focus is also placed on understanding learners’ needs and delivering tailored access and support programmes to help individuals reach their full potential.

Maritime Solent is the powerhouse of British maritime, connecting the entire world to the best of UK marine excellence, experience and expertise.

Professor James Knowles, Southampton Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor said, “Signing the Civic Charter with Maritime Solent highlights our shared commitment to the future of the maritime sector in the region. At Southampton Solent University, home to the world‑renowned Warsash Maritime School, we work closely with industry to drive skills and innovation that drive regional and national growth. This partnership further strengthens our ability to connect education with real‑world impact, ensuring that the Solent region remains a global centre of maritime excellence.”