Sussex institutions unite to launch landmark Civic University Agreement

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2026-01-14T10:00+00:00

The agreement was signed at the American Express Stadium. 📸 by Sam Stephenson.

Universities and some of Sussex’s most prominent local organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion 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

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 and Hove Albion FC, the FE Sussex consortium of further education colleges, 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 Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement at the University of Sussex, said:

“We are delighted that this Civic University Agreement has come to fruition through a programme of multi-sector collaboration. We are facing significant social and economic challenges that mean it is more important than ever for institutions and organisations to work together and pull in the same direction. This initiative brings universities together with partners across the whole of Sussex with a shared civic ambition to unlock the strengths of people and communities in this region. The key now is to turn these commitments into collaborative actions that will build pride in our achievements and confidence about the future, for all of us who live, study, and work in Sussex.”

Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange 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 CUAis 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."

Sally Brown, Managing Director at Gatwick Diamonds 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.”