Southampton Solent launches Civic Charter with Council backing

The Civic Charter has been developed as a key component of Solent’s new 2035 strategy, which sets out the university’s ambition to become the UK’s leading practice-led institution over the next decade.

At a Full Council meeting yesterday, Southampton City Council formally endorsed the Charter following a presentation by Professor James Knowles, Vice-Chancellor of Solent University.

“The Civic Charter marks a renewed and future-facing commitment to the city that is our home,” said Professor Knowles. “It sets out how we will continue to build on our central location to drive innovation, support communities and champion industry in Southampton, and across the region.”

Solent has been working to grow its social and economic impact since the launch of its Civic Agreement in 2021. During this time, the University has worked with a variety of organisations to grow and develop their employability and skills by launching numerous volunteering activities, establishing the South Coast Institute of Technology and continued investment in widening participation. It’s helped enrich the region’s culture and health with initiatives that celebrate our diverse communities, including securing University of Sanctuary status, playing a pivotal role in Southampton’s bid to become UK City of Culture, and placing over 500 students within a range of NHS Trusts and Community partners.

The refreshed Charter outlines how the University will use its resources, expertise and partnerships to benefit the public in line with the University’s 2035 Strategy and Southampton 2035 City Plan. From live student performances in local venues to business incubation, from free community law clinics to sports and wellbeing outreach, Solent is pledging to be a driving force in regional progress.

With the higher education landscape ever changing, Solent’s mission is to ensure everyone, no matter their age, background or career, can achieve their potential through tailored, lifelong learning which also meets the needs of communities, industries and the wider region. The University’s strategy is seeking to advance intergenerational learning across the institution with the traditional 18-21 student demographic interacting with, and learning from, those with potentially varied skillsets and experiences and vice versa, supporting all to improve their knowledge and skills.

The new Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Alex Winning, said:

“Solent University is a key partner in the city, and we’re delighted to be building on our partnership with this pledge to drive economic growth and tackle social challenges in Southampton together. We share a vision for Southampton as a city of opportunity that local people can take pride in, and that offers so much for people to live, work, study, visit and enjoy.”

As part of the launch, Solent University will be inviting businesses, educational institutions and civic partners to sign and support the Charter. Find out more about our Civic Charter here.