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Signatories to the new Civic University Agreement at the signing ceremony

The University of Sussex, together with fellow universities based in Sussex and some of the region’s most prominent local organisations, came together yesterday (Tuesday 13 January) to launch a powerful new commitment to boost regional economic growth and tackle local social and environmental challenges.

Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Sussex, Brighton and Chichester were joined by local authorities, public services, business networks, and community partners from across Sussex – including Brighton & Hove City Council, Gatwick Diamond Business, East and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, the FE Sussex consortium of further education colleges, Sussex Police, and NHS Sussex – at Brighton & Hove Albion’s American Express Stadium, to sign the region’s first ever Civic University Agreement (CUA).

The CUA – titled Sustainable, Connected, and Equitable Sussex – is a joint commitment by senior leaders from these organisations to share resources and work in partnership with the three universities to help drive positive change across the region.

It outlines an ambitious civic mission built around three key dimensions:

• Environment – championing biodiversity, responding to the climate emergency, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

• Learning and health – supporting high-quality education, inclusive skills pathways, and both physical and mental health and wellbeing.
• Culture and heritage – protecting Sussex’s rich cultural assets and supporting the creative sector to thrive sustainably.

Through collaborating on joint initiatives, the CUA aims to tackle social inequalities, pioneer new technologies, and drive economic growth throughout Sussex.

How did the agreement come into being and what will it deliver?

The development of this CUA follows on from previous commitments made by the University of Sussex when the national Civic University Commission was founded in 2019. Professor Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement, spearheaded the development of this CUA in order to amplify and expand the strong work that our staff and students are already doing across Sussex.

He explained, “One of our key strategic goals involves strengthening the visibility and positive impact of our work in the local region. By developing this collaborative partnership across a wide range of major public institutions and business networks, we can leverage the knowledge, expertise, and motivation of all those at the University in order to respond to the needs and priorities of the people and communities throughout the Sussex region. 

“The joint initiatives agreed for the next three years will centre on all partner organisations’ commitment to sustainability, and I know that staff and students from across the University will be able to make valuable, interdisciplinary contributions to this work, bridging across science, health, education, business, arts, and more.”

Welcoming the new agreement

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex said: “We are delighted that the vision for a Civic University Agreement for Sussex has come to fruition with the formal signing ceremony. Our region is facing significant social, economic and environmental challenges, and it is more important than ever for anchor institutions to work together and to pull in the same direction. This initiative brings our three universities together with civic partners to unlock the ambitions and strengths of the people and communities of our region. The key now is to turn these commitments into collaborative actions that will create real change, building confidence about the future, for all of us who live, study, and work in Sussex.”  

Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “We are proud to join this landmark agreement which represents real change for local people. By harnessing the strengths of our fantastic universities and working together as partners, we can break down inequalities, drive innovation and build an economy that works for everyone. This collaboration will create opportunities, from better jobs and skills to healthier communities, so every part of Sussex can thrive."

Sally Brown, Managing Director at Gatwick Diamond Business said: “Gatwick Diamond Business is proud to be part of this important Civic University Agreement, which brings together organisations across Sussex with a shared commitment to strengthening our communities. The businesses we represent understand that long‑term prosperity depends on the wellbeing, skills, and resilience of the people who live and work here. By collaborating through the CUA, we can help ensure that local voices shape local priorities, and that opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth are accessible to all. We look forward to working alongside our partners to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference for communities across Sussex.”

NHS Sussex Chair, Ian Smith, said: “The only way to really tackle many of the issues facing local communities is for organisations and statutory agencies to work together in true partnership.  On behalf of NHS Sussex, I am delighted we are part of this ground-breaking agreement which has the potential to make a genuine difference to local people, aiming to support everyone across our vibrant and diverse communities, to reach their full potential.”

How will the CUA operate?

The governance of the CUA is built on a model inspired by best practice across the UK’s Civic University Network. A three-tier structure will guide delivery, ensuring clear strategic leadership, coordinated action, and effective project implementation. A Civic Mobilisation Forum – bringing together senior leaders from all signatory partners – will provide annual strategic oversight, agree shared priorities, and champion the civic mission across the region. Supporting this, a cross-organisational Steering Group will meet three times a year to turn priorities into deliverable workstreams, monitor progress, and enable collaboration across partners. 

At a delivery level, themed project groups will bring together universities, councils, community organisations, and sector partners to co-design and co-deliver activity rooted in community needs, such as the joined-up work to take forward the Sussex Energy mission.

Crucially, the agreement is designed to support and enhance the wider ambitions of the new Mayoral Combined County Authority for the whole of Sussex.

Here is the full list of Civic University Agreement partners: 

• Bexhill College
• BHASVIC
• Brighton & Hove City Council
• Brighton Chamber
• Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation
• Chichester College Group
• East Sussex County Council
• East Sussex College Group
• Gatwick Diamond
• NHS Sussex
• Plumpton College
• Sussex Chamber of Commerce
• Sussex Police
• University of Brighton
• University of Chichester
• University of Sussex
• Varndean College
• West Sussex County Council