University of Salford and Salford City Council Sign Historic Agreement

The University of Salford and Salford City Council have signed an historic Civic University Agreement to underline their commitment to driving positive change for the people of Salford. 

City Mayor Paul Dennett and University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech attended a signing ceremony in Salford on Tuesday to formalise the contract, along with other senior stakeholders. 

The key goals include supercharging culture and creativity in Salford, building a Child Friendly City, delivering economic growth and skills, supporting socially engaged research and innovation and enhancing social value and buying policies (procurement) to benefit local suppliers and people where possible. 

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett said that even though the University and Salford City Council have worked in close partnership for years, this centenary year is the perfect moment to restate their shared ambitions. 

“This Civic University Agreement formally recognises the strong and beneficial relationship between the University and the Council, bound by a shared commitment to this City and to the people who call it home. We work best when we work together, in pursuit of prosperity, wellbeing, opportunity, and long-term growth for the benefit of Salford and its communities.

“Working to make Salford a Child Friendly City is a priority for both the Council and the University. It’s our commitment to creating a great place for children and young people to grow up and feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to learn, work and play. 

“Social Value is another hugely important priority we share. This involves making sure organisations in the city are looking beyond making decisions based only on financial cost and instead consider the wider benefit to a community. Both the university and council play important roles in this.

“Ultimately, this agreement is about futures realised, for students, families, workers, and for every resident who wants to see Salford thrive. It’s a very exciting time for this City, and I look forward to the future we’re building together.”  

Professor Nic Beech – Vice Chancellor, University of Salford, added: 

“If you consider that we have over 26,000 students currently studying at Salford, and we employ over 2,800 full time equivalent colleagues, it is obvious that we have  a major role to play in our community. We are already deeply involved in positive community programmes for the benefit of Salford, but this new Civic Agreement will help us revisit and refresh our joint aspirations with the Council, making sure we harness the potential for even more exciting collaborations in future.” 

Speakers who joined the Mayor and Vice Chancellor at the Civic Agreement ceremony included Chief Executive of Salford City Council Stephen Young, Jo Purves Pro Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Global Engagement at University of Salford, and Rishi Jindal Regional Operations Manager from schools outreach providers IntoUniversity.

The Civic University Agreement can be read on the University of Salford website as well as the University’s full statement.