Civic University Agreement signed for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

October 4, 2023

Falmouth University and the University of Exeter have signed a Civic University Agreement with Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB).

This civic strategy brings the two universities together with the councils and the ICB to work in collaboration to support the region’s growth and prosperity.

Through the Agreement, the universities will explore with local partners how their facilities and specialist resources, teaching and skills, and research and knowledge exchange can be leveraged for the benefit of the region’s businesses and communities.

The agreement identifies four priority areas for action, aligned with the Isles of Scilly’s Corporate Plan and Together We Can: The Cornwall Plan 2020-50, which was shaped with the input of thousands of Cornwall residents. The priorities are:

• Green Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: sustainable food, land and seas and a creative carbon zero economy, leaving more nature for future generations.
• Healthy Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: a shared commitment to create healthy, safe and resilient communities where people live well for longer.
• Fair Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Supporting thriving places with decent homes, and strengthening equality, education and entrepreneurship with opportunities for lifelong learning and skills development
• Creative Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Celebrating the region’s cultural heritage and supporting partners’ shared goals for a leading rural creative economy and a digital revolution for sustainable living.

Following the signing of the Agreement, Professor Emma Hunt, Vice-Chancellor of Falmouth University said, “The two universities are deeply committed to their role as anchor institutions in Cornwall. Both leaders in our different specialisms, working in close collaboration with our local partners, we are looking forward to exploring new ways to combine our strengths, target our activity and to achieve more together for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Cornwall at the University of Exeter, Professor Martin Siegert, said “By aligning our shared civic objectives with the Cornwall Plan, we can make a real difference on the issues that matter most to people in Cornwall. From the housing crisis to the climate emergency, in health, education and by harnessing our culture and heritage to drive economic growth, we are pleased to be collaborating with our local partners.”

The Agreement commits the universities to an annual programme of community engagement to ensure that the work developed and delivered under the umbrella of the Agreement provides real impact for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s people and communities.

Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council added, “Cornwall is very fortunate to have two pioneering and complementary universities delivering world-leading teaching and research in the Duchy. This Agreement is a fantastic framework around which we can meaningfully shape our work together, driving focussed activity through an annually agreed set of projects that have been identified and developed with local people.”

Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly said, “We are delighted to be a signatory to this Civic University Agreement. The Isles of Scilly has experience of working with staff and students from both institutions on Knowledge Exchange activity and therefore we recognise the value that more collaboration can provide on strategic areas of priority for us and the community.”

John Govett, Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, said: “Providing the best care as close to home as possible is one of the core priorities for our NHS, so we are delighted to have signed an agreement that includes a shared commitment to create healthy, safe and resilient communities where people live well for longer.

“We look forward to working with the two universities, and our council partners, on new and innovative ways to provide a healthier future for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly”.