Civic-Community Engagement

What is Civic Engagement?

Civic Universities ‘impact their places and communities across a range of areas. From improving the health and wellbeing of their communities, or addressing social disparities, to supporting regional economic development, civic universities make a difference in a number of ways' - The Civic University Network.

Public Engagement is a family of methodologies which involve two-way interactions and listening that lead to mutual benefit, Civic Engagement uses that same family in the specific context of place and the local region to solve challenges and generate inclusive knowledge in partnership with Civil Society. 

What is the role of the Public Engagement with Research unit?

The Public Engagement with Research unit enables our civic mission by enhancing our capability and capacity, and develops a culture of equitable practice which allows us to better support our Civic partners. Our opportunities (Festivals, Roadshows and Hubs) bring people together, our training and funding equips colleagues and partnerships with the right skills and resources to flourish and our advocacy and expertise addresses barriers to collaboration and provides examples of what high quality Civic Engagement looks like.

As well as delivering several Civic-Community objectives (such as the Festivals supporting ‘Education, Learning and Future Jobs’ and the Public and Community Engagement Hubs roles in ‘Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Environment, Sustainability and Biodiversity’) the Public Engagement with Research unit develops case studies, centres partner voice and leads collaborative projects that further cements our role as a Civic University.

Some examples of this work include:

Development of case studies and best practice:

• Green Social Prescribing Toolkit
• Community Participatory Action Research
• Providing expertise, support and advice on best practices of engagement, informing research, learning, policy and strategy

Centring partner voice:

• ‘In Residence’ - a partnership with Southampton Voluntary Services focusing on shared strategic priorities and partner voice in decision making
• Community Zones - dedicated and supported areas of our Festivals/Roadshows that provide platforms for partners to connect and share 

Collaborative projects:

• University of Sanctuary
• UK Disability History Month
• Partner needs-driven research including;
• One Horton Heath PhD Programme
• Internship placements with Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations
• Post Graduate Researcher placements/collaborations
• Supporting and enhancing the work of our voluntary, community and sector support organisations

What is the University's role in Civic Engagement?

To get in touch, learn more about the work we're doing in the Civic-Community Engagement space and opportunities to get involved, email: peruciviccommunity@soton.ac.uk

Place

Our work with partners, staff, students, residents and communities is integral to being part of a strong and united community. 

People

Working in partnership with regional partners we share knowledge, resource, skills expertise in mutually productive ways.

Partnerships

We connect people through culture, education, research and enterprise to create new economic and social opportunities.

Impact

We want to make a positive social impact by increasing social mobility, transforming lives and enhancing prosperity.