Building on the University’s Civic Agreements with Luton and Bedford Borough Councils, the strategy sets a clear direction for how the University will work even more closely with local, national and international partners in the years ahead.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This Strategy represents an important step forward in our role as a civic university. It reflects our commitment to working side-by-side with our partners and communities to drive inclusive growth, improve wellbeing and open up opportunity. By aligning our strengths with local priorities, we can ensure that our work makes a real and lasting difference across Bedfordshire and beyond.”

At its core, the Strategy is guided by the principles of People, Place and Purpose and focuses on four priority areas designed to support long-term change:

• Culture and Fairness – Strengthening community connections through culture and sport, and fostering partnerships that promote diversity, fairness, inclusion and equity
• Health, Wellbeing and Social Care – Enhancing health, wellbeing and social care through applied research, education and community collaboration to improve lives and strengthen local systems
• Sustainability and Impact – Building long-term partnerships, responding to the climate emergency and advancing environmental responsibility to secure lasting positive change
• Opportunity and Business – Expanding opportunity through inclusive education, local skills development and social innovation.

The Strategy sets out a phased plan for delivery. Year One will concentrate on building strong foundations by strengthening existing partnerships and structures. Years Two and Three will expand visibility and impact by scaling successful projects and developing new collaborations. Finally, Year Four will focus on consolidating achievements, evaluating outcomes and shaping future priorities, demonstrating the University’s sector leadership in civic engagement.

Professor Andrew Church, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, led the development of the strategy. He said: “This Strategy draws on what we’ve learned from working closely with local partners over many years. It reflects the priorities our communities tell us matter most and sets out how the University can make a practical, collaborative contribution to meeting them. By focusing our teaching, research, expertise, and partnerships, we can help reduce inequalities, support local resilience and ensure Bedfordshire continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

The strategy is backed by a growing network of strategic partnerships, including collaborations with local further education institutions and Memorandum of Understandings with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and three local Chambers of Commerce. It also aligns with national developments highlighted by Universities UK through the Civic University Network, the UUK Civic and Local Growth Network and the sector’s renewed focus on innovation, skills and social impact.

Emma Gill, Head of Cultural, Community and Civic Engagement at the University, added: “The strategy’s themes highlight the breadth of our specialisms across different community systems. They recognise ‘place’ not just as Bedfordshire – of which we are hugely proud to be a part – but also as the wider regional, national and international environments we contribute to, and we’re excited to put this strategy into action and deepen our civic impact in the years ahead.”

To find out more about the Strategy, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/ce-strategy2026