Sussex institutions unite to launch landmark Civic University Agreement

Universities, Colleges and some of Sussex’s most prominent organisations officially came together yesterday (Tuesday 13 January) to launch a powerful new commitment to boost regional economic growth and tackle local social and environmental challenges.

The FE Sussex consortium of Further Education colleges were joined by were joined by Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Sussex, Brighton and Chichester, leaders of 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 and Hove Albion FC, Sussex Police, and NHS Sussex – at Brighton and 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.

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.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton, said:

Brighton has a proud tradition of working hand-in-hand with local organisations and businesses to tackle real-world challenges and create opportunities that improve lives. From pioneering health and wellbeing initiatives to driving innovation in sustainable technologies, our collaborations have delivered tangible benefits for communities across Sussex. This Civic University Agreement builds on that track record, enabling us to deepen partnerships and harness our collective strengths to foster inclusive growth and a greener, fairer future for the region.

Professor Symeon Dagkas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chichester said:

The University of Chichester is proud to join this groundbreaking Civic University Agreement with our partners from across Sussex. We look forward to close collaboration with our regional partners to help shape and improve lives in Sussex, for those who live here and those who contribute to our economy as members of its diverse workforce. Our ambitious mission will help champion biodiversity, support high-quality, inclusive education and protect Sussex’s rich cultural assets. We can’t wait to get started on delivering this exciting new partnership.

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.

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.

A key focus of the CUA is also encouraging the local community to actively participate. Anyone interested can contact publicaffairs@sussex.ac.uk if they would like to be added to the CUA mailing list and find out how they can contribute, volunteer or mentor in support of existing projects or share their own ideas and new ways to collaborate to help achieve the CUA’s mission.

Read the full Civic University Agreement.

Full list of Civic University Agreement partners: