The University of Cambridge has carried out an in-depth ‘listening exercise’ as part of work to strengthen its relationship with the wider city, and explore opportunities for local residents to share more in the region’s growth.

A renewed civic approach – which builds on local engagement activity already happening across the University – has been launched by the University in response to the growth of the region’s innovation ecosystem, and an acknowledgement that its success is not felt equally across all communities in and around Cambridge.

To better understand perceptions, priorities, and opportunities for collaboration, the opinions of 1,700 local people were captured by the University’s newly established Civic Engagement function during a wide-ranging consultation. And the findings – along with a new ‘Civic Framework’ to guide the University’s approach – have been published in the new ‘People, Place, Partnership: Civic priorities for the University of Cambridge’ report.

The report and Civic Framework were launched at a University-hosted event led by the Vice-Chancellor, which brought together members of the University community with civic leaders.

The report reveals that although the University is widely recognised as an asset to the local area – with 88% of respondents recognising its positive contribution – some described the institution as distant and opaque, and said physical barriers, along with traditions and architecture, could be intimidating.

Now, after residents responding to the consultation called for greater access to University facilities for community benefit, one of the University’s first focuses under the Civic Framework will be exploring new ways to create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible spaces – physical, cultural, and intellectual – by opening up more of its estate, venues, and resources to support shared learning.

Another of the University’s key priorities for action is helping to boost skills development across the region, with a focus on young people. The University is already joining city-wide conversations about how this can be achieved through collaboration and partnership.

Welcoming the publication of the report, and the launch of the Civic Framework, Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said: “Two realities of Cambridge have long coexisted – one unfolding behind the ancient walls of Colleges and laboratories, another woven through the daily life of a vibrant yet unequal city.

“Cambridge today is changing rapidly – growing in size, diversity, and ambition. The University is playing a part in that growth, and with that comes responsibility. Our mission is to contribute to society through education and research of the highest international quality, and this mission starts here, in this city.  The impact we seek globally must be grounded locally – in the wellbeing of the people, the vibrancy of the communities, and the sustainability of the environment we share.”

Councillor Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said:  “I very much welcome the University’s renewed commitment to civic engagement, and this listening exercise is an important part of that work. We are a very unequal city, and having the support of the University of Cambridge in our efforts to expand opportunity to everyone in Cambridge is very welcome.”

Kathryn Chapman, Executive Director of Innovate Cambridge, said: “For Cambridge to truly thrive, its innovation success must go hand in hand with fair and inclusive growth – so that everyone benefits from the opportunities it creates. Innovate Cambridge welcomes the University’s Civic Framework as an important step towards stronger collaboration with local communities and partners, and we look forward to building a more connected, equitable, and vibrant city together.”

While feedback from the University’s listening exercise – gathered through online surveys, interviews, workshops, and focus groups – acknowledged challenges, it was largely constructive. Respondents – including residents, voluntary and community organisations, businesses, local authorities, University staff, and students – believe the University makes the strongest contribution to the cultural life of the city and the local economy, but expressed a strong desire for it to be more visibly and actively engaged in improving the quality of life for local communities.

The online survey received 1,390 responses, primarily from long-term Cambridge residents, with 71% saying they felt connected to the University, but nearly one in five reported feeling disconnected from its resources and influence.

The Civic Framework focuses on areas where the University can realistically drive change and have the most meaningful and sustainable impact. It also aims to strengthen partnerships with local institutions, leaders, and communities, and to build more visible and active connections with the communities around it. 

Jo McPhee, the University of Cambridge’s Civic Engagement Manager, said: “The Civic Framework is a starting point for deeper collaboration with our communities. It reflects what we’ve heard and sets out shared priorities. Our aim now is to work with partners to shape meaningful civic activity together. We’re committed to realistic, focused action and to being transparent about what we can and can’t do. We invite local organisations, community groups, and individuals to connect with us as we begin this next phase of civic work.”

The Framework has been designed to complement the wide range of local engagement activity already under way through collaboration between the University, Colleges, and local partners. This includes volunteering by staff and students, charity collaborations, shared spaces offered at developments such as Eddington and the West Hub, transport initiatives like the Universal Bus, events like Open Cambridge, and access to museums and collections.

Words: Stephen Bevan
Published: 22nd October, 2025

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