Saints sign Civic Charter

The club’s Chief Executive Officer, Phil Parsons, and the Foundation’s Managing Director, Sam Fulling, signed the charter recently alongside Solent Vice-Chancellor Professor James Knowles.

They join a growing list of leading institutions from across the city and surrounding area, including Southampton City Council, 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 make campus facilities more widely accessible, providing opportunities for the community 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.

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

“At Solent, we are proud to be practice-led and connected to industry and community partners. By working closely with Saints and the Foundation, we can continue to broaden access to education and skills, open up our facilities to more people, and ensure our provision reflects the real needs of employers and communities.

“Together, we can help people of all ages and backgrounds realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the future of Southampton and beyond.”

Phil Parsons, Chief Executive Officer of Southampton Football Club said:

“Southampton Football Club is delighted to sign Southampton Solent University’s Civic Charter. As a club deeply rooted in the city, we recognise the important role we play in supporting our community and working alongside organisations that share our commitment to Southampton’s future.

“Partnerships between sport, education and civic institutions are vital in creating opportunities for people across the city, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with Southampton Solent University through this initiative.”

With the higher education landscape continuing to evolve, Solent says its mission is to ensure that everyone – regardless of age, background or career stage – can achieve their potential through flexible, lifelong learning. The University’s strategy aims to advance intergenerational learning, encouraging traditional 18–21-year-old students to interact and learn alongside those with different skills and life experiences, helping all learners to enhance their knowledge and capabilities while meeting the needs of communities, industries and the wider region.