The Strategy sets out how we work with our communities to help shape a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for Bedfordshire. Built on the belief that the region’s future should be shaped with the people who live, work and study here, the strategy defines how we strengthen our civic role and contribute to inclusive growth across the county.

Guided by the principles of People, Place and Purpose, the strategy reflects our commitment to:

• People: co creating solutions with communities, informed by lived experience.
• Place: acting as an anchor rooted locally while remaining connected globally.
• Purpose: turning knowledge into benefit through impactful research, teaching and partnerships.

Developed through conversations with students, staff, residents and partners, the strategy focuses on four priorities that reflect what matters most to our region:

• Culture and Fairness: strengthening belonging and promoting equity.
• Health, Wellbeing and Social Care: improving lives through collaboration and applied research.
• Sustainability and Impact: responding to the climate emergency and supporting long term community resilience.
• Opportunity and Business: expanding access to skills, enterprise and inclusive economic growth.

Our Four Priorities

We are delighted to present our Community Engagement Strategy and invite you to read it below.

University of Bedfordshire's Community Engagement Strategy 2026-2030 [PDF]