Civic listening report summary

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Introduction and purpose

The University of Cambridge is a globally renowned institution and a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and opportunity. Its success is closely tied to the wider region, which helps attract talent, investment and collaboration, and contributes to the area’s global reputation for innovation. However, this success is not equally felt across all communities. Many people face deep-rooted inequalities and feel disconnected from the University’s resources and influence.

In July 2024 the University established a dedicated civic engagement function to strengthen local relationships and support inclusive, place-based collaboration. This builds on existing activity across the University and aims to deepen partnerships, align efforts, and ensure that engagement is visible, valued and embedded across the institution.

By civic, we mean our local engagement and impact – how the University connects with its communities to act as a responsible and supportive neighbour, recognising and strengthening the relationships that support shared wellbeing and contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of the region.

Cambridge’s two universities both play key civic roles. While this report focuses on the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University is also a vital anchor institution with a strong civic agenda. Our work should align and collaborate with theirs to enhance our shared impact locally.

To inform its civic approach, the University of Cambridge undertook a wide-ranging listening exercise involving over 1,700 individuals – including residents, voluntary and community organisations, businesses, local authorities, staff, and students – to better understand perceptions, priorities, and opportunities for collaboration.

Our civic listening report presents the findings of the consultation and introduces a new Civic Framework to guide and embed inclusive, place-based engagement.

Download the report

People, Place, Partnership. Civic priorities for the University of Cambridge report

People, Place, Partnership. Civic priorities for the University of Cambridge report (3.86 MB)

Civic listening report - Community Groups

Civic listening report - Community Groups (681.89 KB)

Key findings from the consultation

The University’s listening exercise engaged over 1,700 individuals through surveys, interviews, workshops, and focus groups. The online survey received 1,390 responses, primarily from long-term Cambridge residents. While 71% of respondents felt connected to the University, nearly one in five reported feeling disconnected. This sentiment was stronger amongst respondents with no connection to the University – over half (52%) of this group reported feeling disconnected. The University was widely recognised as an asset to the local area, but perceptions varied – from admiration for its global reputation to concerns about exclusivity and lack of transparency. Respondents expressed a strong desire for the University to be more visible, accessible, and responsive to local needs.

Community conversations revealed a complex relationship between residents and the University. While many admired its cultural and historical significance, they also described it as a “hidden world” – distant and difficult to access. Barriers included physical restrictions, cultural disconnects, and limited promotion of public-facing opportunities. There was a clear appetite for deeper engagement, particularly around youth, families, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Voluntary and community sector organisations valued the University’s cultural programmes and events but called for more inclusive outreach, stronger continuity in university-community relationships, and clearer communication about opportunities for collaboration. These groups highlighted the importance of building trust and ensuring that local engagement reflects the diversity and needs of the area’s communities.

Local authorities welcomed the University’s civic ambitions and expressed enthusiasm for strategic collaboration with them. They emphasised the need for policy engagement, support for placemaking, and expanded youth opportunities. There was a shared aspiration to move beyond the traditional ‘town and gown’ divide and foster a more inclusive civic identity.

University staff and students also contributed valuable insights. Staff described civic engagement as personally meaningful but often undervalued within institutional structures. Barriers included limited time, lack of support, and insufficient recognition. Students expressed a strong desire to connect with the local community but felt overwhelmed by academic pressures and disconnected from life beyond the University. Both groups called for greater institutional support, recognition of contributions, and the creation of inclusive spaces that foster meaningful engagement.

These findings have directly informed the development of a new Civic Framework, designed to respond to the priorities identified and guide the University’s future civic engagement.

The University of Cambridge Civic Framework

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To strengthen and guide the University’s local engagement efforts, a new Civic Framework has been developed, shaped directly by insights from the consultation. The framework provides a shared structure to support inclusive, community-aligned action and complements the wide range of activity already underway across the University and the Colleges. Designed to be agile and responsive, it offers a common language and direction for civic engagement, enabling the University to adapt to evolving local priorities and work meaningfully with communities and partners.

The framework is structured around four core components:

The framework outlines how civic engagement will be embedded institutionally and operationally, ensuring the University’s global excellence is matched by a deep commitment to local issues and communities. It marks an important starting point – laying the foundation for ongoing dialogue, learning and action with local partners. As part of this process, we have identified ten areas of focus that will guide our next steps. These areas reflect the priorities raised during the consultation and align with our civic missions and enablers.

Conclusion

The consultation revealed a strong appetite for deeper, more inclusive engagement between the University and local partners and communities. While feedback acknowledged challenges, it was largely constructive, highlighting the University’s potential to help tackle inequality, support local resilience, and foster meaningful collaboration. Respondents called for sustained partnerships rooted in trust and humility, and emphasised the need for realistic, focused action.

It is equally important to be clear about where the University can make the most meaningful and sustainable contribution. We cannot meet every expectation, and being transparent about our priorities and limitations is essential to building trust. This clarity strengthens our commitment and helps ensure that civic efforts are credible, collaborative, and aligned with shared goals.

The University’s distinctive assets – its research excellence, its strategic convening role in partnership with local leaders, and its presence in the city – position it to contribute significantly to civic life.

These findings offer a compelling case for embedding civic responsibility as a core element of the University’s mission. By aligning global excellence with a deep commitment to working in partnership with communities and civic institutions, the University can enhance its academic mission and foster meaningful change. At what marks a significant point in time for the University, the city and region, this report advocates for an approach grounded in listening, shared purpose, and sustained civic engagement. The themes outlined invite collaboration, and we welcome conversations with potential partners to explore these opportunities together.