Civic capitals at risk: the fragile foundations of the civic university

Universities’ civic engagement and the impact and sustainability of their local partnerships are increasingly vulnerable at a time of well-publicised financial challenges in UK higher education. This report takes stock of the current situation, sets out key risks and opportunities, and makes recommendations for university leaders and government policymakers. Based on in-depth group discussions with staff from 21 universities who are involved in civic roles, and supported by a survey and findings from the National Civic Impact Accelerator programme, the report identifies five forms of resource or ‘civic capital’ within universities: economic, social, cultural, symbolic and emotional. It shows how civic work is performed under conditions of precarity, frequently reliant on ad-hoc funding and vulnerable to cuts and reorganisations.