Civic University Agreement will drive long-term change for Kirklees region

The University of Huddersfield has signed a Civic University Agreement with key local partners to help deliver long-term, sustainable change for the people of the Huddersfield, Kirklees and wider region.

Professor Tim Thornton, University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, signed the formal partnership agreement along with representatives of Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, health partners including Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, as well as Third Sector, community and public sector partners.

“The University of Huddersfield has a proud tradition of working with its local communities to drive forward opportunity, wellbeing and prosperity,” said Professor Thornton.  

“Our Civic University Agreement for Kirklees and the wider region is the latest expression of that commitment, it is a formal partnership built on shared purpose, mutual benefit, and the recognition that we achieve more when we work together.”

The agreement focuses on six core, interconnected themes that reflect both local needs and the collective strengths of the partnership:

•    Economy - working to boost productivity, innovation and investment across the region, contributing to a thriving, inclusive economy.
•    Place - a commitment to improve local environments and supporting vibrant, attractive communities where people want to live, work and study.
•    Health - collaborating with health and care partners to improve population wellbeing and support innovation in prevention, treatment and workforce development.
•    Community - helping to strengthen community cohesion, reduce inequality and ensure that the civic role of the University supports real social value.
•    Skills - building an agile and inclusive skills system that empowers people at all life stages and supports regional growth sectors.
•    Net Zero  - working toward a greener, climate-resilient region through research, innovation and practical action.

This formal partnership agreement will drive change that has a long-term impact for the local area by offering one voice on key local and regional priorities such including health and transport among others.

“This is very much the start of a journey, and what we have done so far in drawing the Agreement together is proof that by working in partnership, we can achieve more than any one organisation could alone,” added Professor Thornton. “Our Civic University Agreement is a blueprint for collective action and an open invitation to new collaborators who share our vision for Kirklees.”

The Agreement is a partnership between the University and: 

• Kirklees Council
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• White Rose Forest Partnership
• Third Sector Leaders Kirklees
• Kirklees Climate Commission
• Other community and public sector partners

Health partners: 

• Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
• Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust
• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• West Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board
• Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
• Locala