Reflecting on the University of Cambridge's 'People, Place & Partnership' Civic Report
- Elma Glasgow
- Oct 24
- 5 min read
On Wednesday 22nd October, I had the honour of being speaking at the launch of University of Cambridge’s Civic Report, ‘People, Place, Partnership’, alongside esteemed and inspiring guests. (The speaker list is at the end of this article if you're curious.)
The University is working to strengthen its relationship with the wider city, and explore opportunities for local residents to share more in the region’s growth. There's also a need to have a more cohesive approach across the University and colleges (the latter are autonomous and have their own priorities) in order to effect sustainable change.
There’s already a lot of great civic activity happening across the colleges and University, but this renewed civic approach has been launched in response to the growth of the region’s innovation ecosystem, and an acknowledgement that its success isn’t felt equally across all communities in and around Cambridge.
Plus, in my opinion, the civic activities need to develop to be more inclusive, transparent and reciprocal. But this requires more time, more energy and, therefore, more resources.
A University rethinking its listening approaches
But let’s rewind to earlier this year, when I was invited by the Civic Engagement Manager, Jo McPhee, to lead on the community aspect of the University’s first ever ‘deep listening’ exercise across multiple stakeholder groups in the City.
I wholly welcomed the opportunity to work with Jo to co-design workshop plans and facilitated sessions. We then engaged with community group leaders in areas of the City which lie on the outskirts and historically have been overlooked: Arbury, Kings Hedges, Trumpington, Cherry Hinton and Romsey. The leaders generously contributed their insights, allowing us to shape tailored approaches for each community group.
This participatory process helped us to offer community members methods and environments that felt appropriate and comfortable. This is important to authentic dialogue - when we're feeling relaxed and sit in a sense of belonging, we’re more likely to engage in conversation. We also held psychological safety in mind - familiar surroundings help to reduce the risk of experiencing trauma, stress and anxiety. And, being in a convenient location for local people means if they need to dash off for the school run or an appointment, they can participate until they need to leave.
We also hosted a session at a King’s College location, which acted as a catalyst for conversation by offering participants a new perspective and experience.
This tailored approach led to open conversations with 100 individuals - young people, elders, first-generation Global Majority residents, and lifelong residents. Jo and I co-facilitated some of these sessions, and I led others independently.
Community members who participated were remunerated, with the groups choosing to use gift cards.
What communities shared with us
The feedback captured in workshops and in the facilitated one-to-one and small group conversations not only revealed where gaps exist in current relationships between the University and communities.
It told us: while the University is globally renowned, it often feels distant to locals.
But people also told us that there’s a huge opportunity to build mutually beneficial connections between the institution, its colleges and people from underserved backgrounds.
Many participants voiced concerns about perceived inequities linked to the University - such as its limited engagement in their communities, the belief that knowledge and wealth is held back rather than shared, and the inaccessibility of physical spaces.
Intimidating architecture, closed gates and private signs in front of University buildings and colleges may seem part of our everyday life, but these were all mentioned as aspects that negatively influence perceptions and therefore relationships between communities and the University and colleges.
The lack of communications also shone through as a barrier between communities and University activities.
But there’s also positivity…
Pride, potential and a desire to connect
Many people expressed pride in the University and the City, and a real desire for a closer, equitable relationship. What’s more, this listening process helped to build trust among communities - but this needs to be nurtured with care and authenticity for any hope of reciprocal connections to have a sustained impact.
If the University commits to building genuine relationships - rooted in transparency and open sharing of knowledge and innovation - it can also begin to redress deep-rooted imbalances. These are issues I’ve experienced for myself, and during the consultation, I heard very concerning stories from the communities.
The University could play a transformative role in reducing poverty, improving public health, expanding access to skills and education, and enriching a diverse cultural scene. By directing its world-leading expertise towards addressing such challenges, the University can help build long-term resilience and enable communities to flourish. Lifting local people as it continues to climb.
In times of deep societal divisions and mounting complex problems, I think we can all benefit from collaborative thinking and working.
With this milestone project, alongside the fantastic work led by Beth Elliott, Community Engagement Manager, I feel optimistic about the University’s commitment to purposeful work, with the end goal of closing the gaping chasm between it and local communities.
My call to action for the University – and every institution
At the end of my brief speech at the launch event, I set everyone in the room a challenge:
"When you leave here today, think seriously about how you can foster better, reciprocal relationships with Cambridge's underrepresented communities. Then commit to investing in taking meaningful action. It takes years to build trust and a moment to break - please, don't blow this exciting opportunity."
There’s a long road ahead, but this is a great start to the journey. And if it can happen at an 800-year old University steeped in tradition, it can happen anywhere, and at any organisation or company.
Bring it on.
Links and names...
Click here for the ‘People, Place, Partnership: Civic priorities for the University of Cambridge’ report.
My own report on the community activities and feedback is embedded in the main report, but the direct link is here.
Guest speakers in order of appearance:
Godric Smith, Chair, Cambridge United Foundation with University of Cambridge Vice Chancellor Debbie Prentice, Rachel Wade Deputy Leader City Council, and Kathryn Chapman Exec Director, Innovate Cambridge
Jo McPhee, Civic Engagement Manager with Keith Herrmann, Researcher Civic Listening, University of Cambridge
Neil Perry, Director, with Zac Britton, Lead Youth Development Worker, Romsey Mill
Sonita Alleyne, Master Jesus College with Charity Partner, Nicky Shepard CEO of Abbey People.
Comments