National Civic Impact Accelerator
A national network of universities and organisations transforming local places
A ‘truly civic’ approach
We’re working on this collaborative and ambitious initiative to generate and mobilise intelligence of what works, supporting universities to deliver meaningful, measurable civic strategies and activities.
Visit the NCIA websiteRead our latest publications
An emerging research strategy for civic universities
Our evidence base explored the conditions required to support universities in making a positive contribution in their place. This agenda shares learnings from Institute for Community Studies research.
Harnessing university-owned green spaces for wellbeing
Learnings from recent NCIA research providing evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers on how universities can utilise green spaces for student and community benefit.
Reimagining university-led climate education
Building on our recent NCIA research, this paper offers evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers on impactful climate education approaches led by higher education institutions.
Maximising student community engagement to enhance local places
This report builds on NCIA research to offer evidence-informed advice for universities on student – community engagement in their region.
Purpose through data
A toolkit and resource that supports universities with equitable and accessible, data-informed decision-making.
Civic approaches to climate education
This report focuses on what a civic climate higher education might look like, and the resources and approaches needed for its delivery.
Civic universities and green spaces
A review of evidence on the relationship between green space, health and wellbeing in the context of universities.
Meaningful engagement between students and local communities
This research explores the question of what sites and practices of meaningful student community engagement look like, particularly from much-needed student and community perspectives.
Thought leadership
Forging ‘a renewed belief in the power of partnerships’
Reflections from the Institute for Community Studies and NCCPE's Community Advisory Panel, championing values-driven partnerships at the heart of the NCIA's national conference
What’s the UK’s vision for HE? Let’s think local
Senior Research Manager Tania Carregha explores how universities can act as civic partners to drive positive change in their local communities.
How can universities be better neighbours?
Dr Al Mathers highlights how universities can act as true civic partners, building long-term, place-based relationships to generate measurable social impact in their communities.
The UK can deliver growth, address inequalities, and meet net zero targets. Here’s how.
Knowledge Exchange Manager Jacob Coburn explores how regional anchor institutions can drive inclusive growth and strengthen local communities.
Our co-created values
Our Community Advisory Panel and Facilitators developed a shared set of values for speakers and attendees at CiviCon25 to adhere to.
Our Community Advisory Panel
Our Community Advisory Panel, is supported and coordinated by the Institute for Community Studies and the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement, was formed to support the NCIA programme and help shape the CiviCon25 conference. Their remit includes:
- work to generate ideas about how to inclusively engage a broad range of organisations and potential contributors to CiviCon25, including those who work across the community and wider sectors.
- work to co-produce a set of inclusivity principles and conference values, and practical guidance for CiviCon25.
- work to help define the selection criteria for CiviCon25 presentation submissions.
Hannah Sloggett
Co-Director at Nudge Community Builders and Community Advisory Panel member and co-author.
1/9Ayad Al-Ani
Director of London Central Academy and Community Advisory Panel member and co-author.
2/9Laura Corfield
Director at Shift Bristol and Community Advisory Panel member and co-author.
3/9Julia Costa Carneiro
Research Lead at Knowle West Media Centre and Community Advisory Panel member and co-author.
4/9Waqas Hameed
Health and Wellbeing Manager at Darnall Wellbeing and Community Advisory Panel member and co-author.
5/9Fola Afolabi
Youth Involvement and Engagement Lab at Wellcome Trust and Community Advisory Panel member and co-author.
6/9Dr. Al Mathers
Associate at The Young Foundation and Community Advisory Panel Facilitator.
7/9Zoe Williamson
Senior Project Officer at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement and Community Advisory Panel Facilitator.
8/9Lily Owens-Crossman
Senior Researcher at The Young Foundation and Community Advisory Panel Facilitator.
9/9Research and reports
Finding and using data to understand university impact
This synthesis shares our user-centred approach to co-designing dashboards with universities to support their civic activities.
Civic universities and climate education
a review of literature and evidence, alongside case study examples, to understand the state of climate education in England.
Civic universities and green spaces
A review of evidence on the relationship between green space, health and wellbeing in the context of universities.
Civic universities, skills gaps, and university-FE collaborations
A review recognising the potential for greater collaboration between universities and colleges and identifying a lack of evidence on this topic.
Civic universities and their neighbours
This review brings together literature and evidence to explore sites and practices of meaningful engagement between university students and local communities.
Healthy universities, people and places
A review exploring how universities can contribute to student, staff, and local community wellbeing.
Shaping sustainable universities
This report explores how universities can contribute to aa just transition to net zero by reducing carbon emissions, sharing knowledge, and supporting local initiatives.
Society, culture and locally-connected universities
Examining universities’ social and cultural contributions to their communities, discussing the impacts of student volunteering, and how universities are supporting local arts and culture.
Universities and ‘economic placemaking’
This review highlights universities as drivers of local employment and spending, assessing the importance of assessing social mobility, graduate retention, and innovation.
Community engagement: insights, practice and evaluation
Principles of Community Engagement video, Emily Morrison
Engaging Communities in Big Local video, Liam Harney
Evaluating Civic Activity video, Emily Morrison
CiviCast podcasts
'Great things can be achieved through the civic role of universities'
Our Senior Research Manager, Tania Carregha, shares her experiences of community engagement in Mexico City, building relationships with partners and civic actors, plus her research as a key delivery partner of the NCIA programme.
'They want us to recognise what good looks like, how we do that both now and into the future.'
Our Knowledge Exchange Manager Jacob Coburn explains how the series of Co-Commissioning Panels helped to shape the NCIA’s Evidence Reviews on civic university impacts by bringing together diverse voices to identify where the real value and opportunities lie.
Effective Community Engagement Toolkit
Discover effective strategies for universities to engage local communities in civic activities.
Our toolkit is an invaluable resource for universities seeking to strengthen their civic impact.
This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies and best practices for involving local communities in meaningful civic activities. From building trust to designing inclusive programs, the toolkit equips institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to create lasting partnerships and drive positive change in their regions.
By implementing these engagement techniques, universities can enhance their role as anchor institutions and contribute significantly to local development and social progress.
Download our toolkit
Archive content
Announcing strategic partnership on UK Civic University Network.
With Sheffield Hallam University and the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), we are showing our shared commitment to cross-sector working with UK communities. 1/6
Empowering students with a ‘truly civic’ experience
New report urges UK universities to equip all students to be lifelong active citizens. 2/6
Supporting Civic Universities
Cross-sector approaches and partnerships are at the heart of great local and national change. The Civic University Network aims to model that at a governance, advisory, and delivery level. 3/6
What does ‘good’ university collaboration look like?
We are gathering evidence of what's working when universities in England engage with with students and local communities, or on civic climate education. 4/6
Civic Impact Dashboard user feedback event
1 July 2025
11:00am - 12:30pm
Join our civic impact dashboard design team to share your views and help us develop the prototype, ready for final launch at the CiviCon25 conference in October.
Introducing the National Civic Impact Accelerator
30 March 2023
2:30pm - 4:00pm
A free webinar to launch NCIA, an initiative generating intelligence on civic innovations and tools to deliver meaningful strategies.