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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

Engaging our communities

Engaging our communities is one of Solent’s three strategic priorities and forms a key part of our approach to public engagement. Championed by our Vice Chancellor, Professor James Knowles and members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Group our approach engages our communities while driving two way research and knowledge exchange.

We have a long history of making a positive difference to our local community and as we enter this new period we know there will be many challenges facing our communities. Challenge brings opportunity and we will be working with our alumni, business and local community to build long term, mutually beneficial partnerships that drive long term impact and change.

On this page you can discover more about our work with the local community and how to get involved.

Our Civic Charter

Launched in September 2021 our formalised civic charter forms our civic agreement with Southampton and the central south region. Solent was amongst the first group of universities in the UK to commit to developing a civic agreement in response to the UPP’s Commissions report on how universities can strengthen the connection with their place.

Our charter sets out a series of commitments, focusing on the four key areas that we can make a difference:

  • Creating a city of life-long learning
  • Building a culturally enriched and cohesive city
  • Championing a healthy and active community
  • Driving economic and sustainable growth

Discover more about our work with the local community and how you can get involved below.

Civic Agreement

Read our Civic Charter which outlines how we will work in partnership with our communities.

Public engagement

We have committed to public engagement as part of our new 2025 strategy and have signed the NCCPE manifesto for public engagement.

University of Sanctuary

Solent is committed to becoming a University of Sanctuary, offering a welcoming culture, based on mutual trust, fairness, harmony and respect.

Environment and sustainability

As a university, we have a vital role to play in promoting sustainability and social justice.

Community collaborations

Discover more about the work we do with our many community partners in and around Southampton.

NHS partnerships

Read about how we work with NHS organisations in the local region.

Get involved