Our Civic University Agreement

Working together for a stronger Kirklees

The University of Huddersfield has a proud tradition of working with its local communities to drive forward opportunity, wellbeing and prosperity. Our Civic University Agreement for Kirklees is the latest expression of that commitment - a formal partnership built on shared purpose, mutual benefit, and the recognition that we achieve more when we work together.

The Civic University Agreement is a collaborative commitment between the University and a range of key regional partners, including:

Local authorities

Health partners

Additional community and public sector partners

White Rose Forest Partnership
Third Sector Leaders Kirklees
Kirklees Climate Commission
Other community and public sector partners, with scope to grow

Together, we share a vision for a better future for the people and places of Kirklees and the wider West Yorkshire region.

We recognise the University’s role as a civic anchor - a place of knowledge, innovation and opportunity with deep roots in the community. The Civic University Agreement makes explicit the shared values and priorities that unite us with our partners. By aligning our strategies and working in partnership, we can:

Maximise our collective impact
Deliver long-term, sustainable change
Speak with one voice on key local and regional priorities
Access new opportunities for funding and ecosystem development.

This agreement is not a legal contract, but a coalition of the willing - a living commitment shaped by shared aspiration and evolving needs. It reflects:

A flexible, place-based approach rooted in the realities of Kirklees and West Yorkshire
Respect for the unique contributions of each partner
The need for annual review and renewal, ensuring it remains responsive and relevant

The Civic University Agreement isn’t intended to describe every interaction between the partner organisations.

Our shared priorities

Our Civic University Agreement focuses on six core, interconnected themes. These reflect both local needs and the collective strengths of our partnership.

1. Economy

We are working to boost productivity, innovation and investment across Kirklees, contributing to a thriving, inclusive economy.

2. Place

We are committed to improving local environments and supporting vibrant, attractive communities where people want to live, work and study.

3. Health

We’re collaborating with health and care partners to improve population wellbeing and support innovation in prevention, treatment and workforce development.

4. Community

We’re helping to strengthen community cohesion, reduce inequality and ensure that the civic role of the University supports real social value.

5. Skills

We aim to build an agile and inclusive skills system that empowers people at all life stages and supports regional growth sectors.

6. Net Zero

We are working together toward a greener, climate-resilient region through research, innovation and practical action.

Health

We’re collaborating with health and care partners to improve population wellbeing and support innovation in prevention, treatment and workforce development.

Strategic context

NHS 10 Year Health Plan – three strategic shifts from hospitals to community, sickness to prevention; analogue to digital
Kirklees Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Health and Care Plan and Health and Care Partnership
National Health Innovation Campus – Vision Document and Campus Board
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Strategy 2024-2030 and Social responsibility and Sustainability Strategy 2022-2027
Yorkshire Ambulance Service Strategy 2024-2029

Desired impact and outcomes

National Health Innovation Campus is fully established with higher-skilled jobs and business, and research partnerships
Improved social care and mental health support, including a focus on young people and workforce development
Increased health and well-being of the local population
Embrace primary, secondary and tertiary health prevention – enhance patient flow through innovation

Areas of joint activity

Third sector partnerships and community engagement, including clinics and health checks
AI – development of diagnostic and therapeutic simulation software
Workforce development, training and Continued Professional Development (CPD)
Accelerator and trailblazer programmes for economically inactive people
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust Innovation Space at Pinderfields Hospital
Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Creative Minds and joint appointments with the South West
Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYFT)
Paramedic student support, work placements and employment opportunities at Yorkshire
Ambulance Service
Joint research activity with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service

Opportunities for future collaboration

A collaborative ‘Big Data’ research programme, including potentially developing a Research Observatory to better understand healthcare needs, health inequalities and remote service provision for the Kirklees and wider population – convert data to insight
Joint research into Supply Chains and Supply Chain Development, particularly for Micro Businesses and SMEs
New University of Huddersfield dental courses to address shortages
Locala Princess Royal developments and SWYFT Recovery College developments
Development of prototype for ‘future ambulance and ambulance station’
Extended research programme with local NHS partners
Co-location and integration of patient care services on NHIC

Together, we are building a better future.

We believe that by working in partnership, we can achieve more than any one organisation could alone. Our Civic University Agreement is a blueprint for collective action - and an open invitation to new collaborators who share our vision for Kirklees.

We will review and update our Civic University Agreement as new joint priorities are identified and as resources allow.