University of Cambridge vows to engage more deeply with community and open up more spaces

The University of Cambridge confirmed its intention to strengthen its relationship with the wider city, open up more of its spaces and explore new opportunities for local people as it unveiled its new civic framework.

Vice-chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice indicated the sense of “responsibility” the university has to the community in which it lies and vowed that it would open up more of its estate and create welcoming, inclusive and accessible spaces.

“Our mission is to contribute to society through education and research of the highest international quality, and this mission starts here, in this city. The impact we seek globally must be grounded locally – in the wellbeing of the people, the vibrancy of the communities, and the sustainability of the environment we share,” she said in the introduction to a new report titled ‘People, Place, Partnership: Civic priorities for the University of Cambridge’.

It is the outcome of listening exercise involving 1,700 local people, who were asked how they viewed the university.

The report on the findings reveals: “While many admired its cultural and historical significance, they also described it as a ‘hidden world’ – distant and difficult to access. Barriers included physical restrictions, cultural disconnects, and limited promotion of public-facing opportunities. There was a clear appetite for deeper engagement, particularly around youth, families, and lifelong learning opportunities.”

The survey found 42 per cent of respondents think the university is successful in connecting with the local community, but a nearly equal proportion – 39 per cent – feel it is not.

And the sense of disconnection was, unsurprisingly, greater among those without ties to the university – 52 per cent of these respondents felt somewhat or very disconnected to it.

There was a clear desire for the university to be more involved in social mobility, breaking down the sense of town and gown.

“The University of Cambridge probably doesn’t know communities like Arbury exist,” observed one respondent.

Recommendations to improve this sense of connection included providing greater access to university spaces for community use, satellite programmes and activities delivered locally, including family-friendly options, enhancing engagement with young people and schools and expanded lifelong learning opportunities.

The university now aims to build on its existing engagement activities, which include volunteering by staff and students, charity collaborations, shared spaces at developments such as Eddington and the West Hub, transport initiatives like the Universal Bus, events like Open Cambridge, and access to museums and collections.

Jo McPhee, the University of Cambridge’s civic engagement manager, said: “The civic framework is a starting point for deeper collaboration with our communities. It reflects what we’ve heard and sets out shared priorities. Our aim now is to work with partners to shape meaningful civic activity together.

“We’re committed to realistic, focused action and to being transparent about what we can and can’t do. We invite local organisations, community groups, and individuals to connect with us as we begin this next phase of civic work.”

Prof Prentice added: “Two realities of Cambridge have long coexisted – one unfolding behind the ancient walls of colleges and laboratories, another woven through the daily life of a vibrant yet unequal city,” said Prof Prentice.

“Cambridge today is changing rapidly – growing in size, diversity, and ambition. The university is playing a part in that growth, and with that comes responsibility.

“Our mission is to contribute to society through education and research of the highest international quality, and this mission starts here, in this city. The impact we seek globally must be grounded locally – in the wellbeing of the people, the vibrancy of the communities, and the sustainability of the environment we share.”

The listening exercise, which included online surveys, interviews, workshops and focus groups, found 88 per cent of respondents recognised the positive contribution of the university but some described it as distant and opaque, and said physical barriers, along with traditions and architecture, could be intimidating.

Cllr Cameron Holloway, the Labour leader of Cambridge City Council, said: “I very much welcome the university’s renewed commitment to civic engagement, and this listening exercise is an important part of that work. We are a very unequal city, and having the support of the University of Cambridge in our efforts to expand opportunity to everyone in Cambridge is very welcome.”

Kathryn Chapman, executive director of Innovate Cambridge, said: “For Cambridge to truly thrive, its innovation success must go hand in hand with fair and inclusive growth – so that everyone benefits from the opportunities it creates. Innovate Cambridge welcomes the university’s civic framework as an important step towards stronger collaboration with local communities and partners.”

Read the full report at cam.ac.uk.