We're a Civic University | University of Portsmouth

We're committed to enhancing the local community and region through our research, services, estate, and staff and student collaboration. We're more than the University of Portsmouth — we're the University 'for' Portsmouth.

What is a Civic University?

Our goal as a civic university is for our education and research knowledge and skills to benefit the city of Portsmouth and our wider region. To achieve this, we collaborate with local partners to improve health, sustainability, and inclusion in our area, all while boosting the local economy and enhancing our social and cultural scene.

In 2019, we were one of the first universities to develop a Civic Partnership Agreement with local community and regional partners. This agreement focuses on six key priorities, which we embedded into our University Strategy as a primary goal — aiming to be one of the top civic universities in the UK.

Explore Our Civic Impact: Projects & Partnerships

Our research, projects and partnerships have positive impacts across Portsmouth. Use this map to see exactly where, and what, we're doing to develop the city around us.

Using the map:

Explore our diverse range of projects and their impact on the community through our interactive map. Follow these steps to make the most of your experience:

Filter Projects: Use the filter toggle located at the bottom of the map to select the project category you're most interested in. Our projects are grouped into five categories: Social Impact, Health & Wellbeing, Environment, and Cultural & Arts and Economic Impact.
Learn More: Click on any map pin to discover detailed information about specific projects. This includes a brief description, key contacts, and any relevant links for further information.
Navigate: Use the zoom controls on the left side of the map. This helps you get a better sense of the geographical spread and scale of our initiatives.

How we impact Portsmouth and the local region

We want to make a tangible difference in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, working hand-in-hand with the region we call home. We pride ourselves on being inclusive, and are actively contributing to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of our community.

Enhancing lives through volunteering

At the University of Portsmouth, our robust volunteering culture is integral to community development. Annually, students and staff contribute over 140,000 hours to 124 local organisations, significantly enhancing our region's social and cultural fabric.

Furthering our commitment, we provide vital services free of charge, including the Accounting Clinic, Legal Clinic, and Dental Academy Patient Services. These initiatives exemplify our holistic approach to community engagement and underscore our impactful contributions.

Discover more about our volunteering impact and opportunities here.

Growing local business through collaboration

We collaborate with local businesses, organisations and the public sector by offering free support, advice, and services to the local business community.

We offer business services to support and grow local businesses, including our Accountancy Clinic, Accelerating Women's Enterprise (AWE) programme, conference and event space, co-working and office space, free energy efficiency audits and funding through Low Carbon Solent for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become more sustainable.

Promoting the city of Portsmouth

Portsmouth has unique strengths and a rich heritage. We want to show the world how great this city is. Through partnership work, we aim to champion shared interests, support economic growth and make the city a destination of choice for people to live, work and visit.

We've partners with Portsmouth Football Club to improve and promote our city, increase local participation in higher education, and provide work experience for our students.

We're also working to improve our sustainability and become a climate positive university by 2030.

Driving inclusiveness

We're a Stonewall Diversity Champion and work with groups including Working Families, Time to Change, Mindful Employer, AccessAble and Disability Confident. We're also members of two Higher Education lead charters, Athena SWAN and the Race Equality Charter, which drive gender and race equality. Find out more about our equality and diversity work.

We're improving access to education by supporting children in care and care leavers, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, military service children in Portsmouth and refugees and asylum seekers by becoming a University of Sanctuary.

Upcoming Events: Click Title for More Information

The University Library invites you to find out about (and visit) this wonderful collection, Outside in World: Children's Books in Translation by joining us at one of our upcoming drop-ins. Discover this prestigious collection of international books that have been translated from their original languages into English. Situated near the Library Café, we actively encourage the use of this unique collection to support research and teaching, community outreach, and reading for pleasure, which you are welcome to visit at any time.

The events are both advertised on Eventbrite:

31 July drop-in/storytime - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/942300475087?aff=oddtdtcreator
9 August drop-in/storytime - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/942300475087?aff=oddtdtcreator

Date: Sunday, 1 September 2024
Location: The Guildhall, Portsmouth

Join Mindset Maintenance LIVE 2024, a premier wellbeing seminar hosted by Mindset Maintenance CIC. This event will feature discussions on hormone and gut health, neurodiversity, and community power, with speakers like Alex Partridge of UNILAD & LADbible. Mindset Maintenance CIC is closely connected to the University of Portsmouth’s work with Portsmouth City Council and the Health Determinants Research Collaborative, focusing on health in the city, and has been part of the community/peer research cohort.

Civic Networking Event with HIVE Portsmouth

Date: Thursday 12th September 2024
Time: 10am
Location: LRC, Park Building, University of Portsmouth

Join us for an exciting civic networking event featuring Lorna Reavley, Chief Officer at HIVE Portsmouth. Lorna will discuss HIVE Portsmouth's essential role in supporting community initiatives and enhancing wellbeing across the city. This session is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded UoP colleagues and external partners while enjoying coffee and cake.

About HIVE Portsmouth: HIVE Portsmouth is a local charity which connects local organisations, supports community initiatives, and enhances wellbeing in the city. It developed as a collaborative effort to address social issues, foster community resilience, and provide a platform for collective action.

Event Highlights:

Insightful presentation by Lorna Reavley, Chief Officer at HIVE Portsmouth
Networking opportunities with colleagues and partners
Coffee and cake

Learn more about HIVE Portsmouth here.

Work Experience Festival

Date: Tuesday, 8th October
Time: TBC
Location: TBC

Join us for the Work Experience Festival, featuring over 20 not-for-profit organisations showcasing their volunteering roles to students. This event is an excellent opportunity for students and academics to discover various volunteering opportunities and engage with organisations making a difference in the community.

Highlights:

Over 20 Not-for-Profit Organizations: Learn about various volunteering roles.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with organisations and fellow students.
Awareness and Engagement: Increase awareness among students and academics.

Stay tuned for the event webpage, which will be shared soon.

Civic Networking Event: The Importance of Partnerships in Research

Date: Thursday 28th November
Time: 10am - 12pm
Location: LRC, Park Building

Join us for a presentation by Nikki Fairchild, exploring the crucial role of partnerships in research projects. The presentation will cover building relationships, engaging key stakeholders, and creating impactful opportunities for collaboration. Nikki will discuss the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), a joint effort by Portsmouth City Council, HIVE Portsmouth, and the University of Portsmouth, funded by the National Institute for Health Research.

Why Attend?

Learn about impactful research collaborations: Understand how partnerships can enhance research projects and benefit the community.
Gain insights into local health challenges: Discover the significant health disparities in Portsmouth and how the HDRC aims to address them.
Explore opportunities for collaboration: Identify potential areas for your involvement in community-based research and public health interventions.
Network with colleagues and stakeholders: Connect with colleagues from various disciplines.

About the HDRC: The HDRC focuses on the experiences of local residents facing disadvantage, aiming to improve health outcomes through exploratory research and community engagement. One of the key development year projects includes understanding the impact of social inequality on language and communication development in early years.

Event Highlights:

Presentation by Nikki on the importance of research partnerships
Insights into the HDRC and its impact on local health
Opportunities for collaboration and networking
Coffee and cake

We look forward to seeing you there!

Global Week is our annual celebration of global culture and international diversity at the University of Portsmouth and within our beautiful city. Stay tuned for more details to come!

Previous Events

Description
The University of Portsmouth Choir presents: Haydn's Creation in a new version with words by Anne Hunter, edited and directed by Prof. George Burrows. Includes the world premiere of 'A Song for Eve' by Gayathri Khemadasa. Featuring Havant Symphony Orchestra, Ciara White (soprano), Edward Goater (tenor) and Karl Nordensten (bass-baritone).

Sunday 12th May 2024, 3:00pm

St Mary's Church, Portsea, PO1 5PA

Running time approx. 2 hours.

Upcoming Event: Feel Good Fest 2024

Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Venue: Third Space, upstairs in the Union Building, University of Portsmouth

Join us for Feel Good Fest 2024, our annual free festival celebrating wellbeing. This event brings together students, staff, and local organisations for a flagship wellbeing experience. Enjoy therapy dogs, crafts, activities, free food, giveaways, and stress-relief techniques.

Event Highlights:

Therapy Dogs: Lower your stress levels with visits from Angel and Tracy.
Crafts and Activities: Participate in mug painting, seed planting, and mindful drawing.
Wellbeing Tips and Prizes: Share your tips for a chance to win a prize bundle.
Quiet Space: Take a break in our designated quiet area in the Huddle.
Library Tuk Tuk: Sign up for a free library membership with the Portsmouth Libraries Service.

This year, we’re introducing a social battery traffic light system to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Choose a Red, Amber, or Green sticker to indicate your energy levels and preferred interaction style.

Don’t miss out on this chance to relax, learn new skills, and connect with others. We look forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Event: Restart a Heart Session with Guest Presenter Rob Isherwood

Date: Thursday, 13 June 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Venue: TBC

Join us for the "Restart a Heart" session at the University of Portsmouth, featuring Rob Isherwood, course lead for paramedic science, as our guest presenter. This session is not only a chance to learn lifesaving CPR and defibrillator skills but also a great opportunity to network with civic-minded individuals from across the region.

Event Highlights:

Hands-on CPR and AED Training: Gain essential emergency skills from an experienced medical professional.
Community Networking: Meet and engage with like-minded people who are actively contributing to our communities.
Enjoyable Atmosphere: Discuss and share ideas over coffee and cake in a relaxed setting.

Why Attend?

Lifesaving Knowledge: Equip yourself with the critical skills needed to save lives in emergencies.
Valuable Connections: Expand your network by connecting with others dedicated to civic engagement and public health.

This event is open to everyone. We look forward to welcoming you to this vital training and networking session. Together, let’s strengthen our community’s capacity to respond to emergencies and build meaningful civic connections.

To register for the event, please visit our Eventbrite page.

Want to know more about how to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? An LPA can help to give peace of mind that your best interests will be protected in the event that you lose capacity to make decisions about your health, welfare, money or property in the future. The General Legal Advice Clinic is holding a special LPA day on Tuesday 18 June. Why not make an appointment with our law students who can help you to create an online account with the Office of the Public Guardian and to complete one or both of the LPA forms. A limited number of appointments are available at the following times: 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Appointments are in-person at the clinic offices in the Portland Building and will take up to 1.5 hours. Contact us now at advice@port.ac.uk to make an appointment, using LPA Day in the subject line.

Date: Thursday, 20 June 2024
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Location: Portland Building Atrium, University of Portsmouth

Event Overview

Join us for a 30-minute whistle-stop tour through colleagues’ and partners’ work relating to refugees, asylum seekers, and other marginalized migrants. This event will feature presentations on several impactful projects, including:

Research into modern slavery in India
A University-led physical activity training programme involving local asylum seekers
Research on the impact of the Sudanese Civil War on women and children
The University’s relationship with the Council for At-Risk Academics
Our Access to Justice immigration legal advice service

Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity to socialize and network with colleagues and local partner organizations.

Special Highlights

This event marks Refugee Week and will also serve to launch the Centre for the Advancement of Equality, Gender, and Inclusion Studies (AEGIS). It is jointly hosted by AEGIS and our University of Sanctuary working group.

Registration

All are welcome to attend. To register your interest, please email aegiscentre@port.ac.uk.

Female Entrepreneurs Network: Speed Networking

Date: Friday, 28 June 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm BST
Location: University Learning Centre, Portsea Island, Portsmouth PO1 2DH

Agenda:

1:00 PM: Event Start
1:05 PM: Welcome and Refreshments
1:20 PM: Speed Networking Begins
2:25 PM: Speed Networking Ends
2:30 PM: Free Roam Networking + Food
3:00 PM: Event Close

Join us for an exhilarating networking experience designed exclusively for female entrepreneurs! The Female Entrepreneurs Network presents a unique opportunity for you and a group of friends to connect with 10 of the University of Portsmouth’s astute and accomplished female entrepreneurs in residence.

Designed to cultivate collaboration among female entrepreneurs on the South Coast, this event encourages meaningful interactions and efficient networking. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring business owner, or simply looking to expand your professional network, this event should not be missed.

Why Attend?

Connect with Experts: Meet and interact with female entrepreneurs in residence.
Gain Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals.
Free Lunch: Enjoy complimentary refreshments and networking opportunities.

Meet the Entrepreneurs in Residence:

Dr. Alisha Damani
Ana Ambika Pindoria
Anne Stevens
Claire Tamplin
Heather Barrie
Kay Coombs
Marianne Withers
Rachel Lowe
Rebecca Beard
Sarah Goodall

Disclaimer: This is a professional networking event, not speed dating.

Learn more about Entrepreneurs in Residence

Reserve your spot today!
Register on Eventbrite

International quiz at SPARK on the 4th July. Spark is a very special community space in Fratton, Portsmouth. This is your chance to come along, meet students, members of the local community and take part in a fun evening with free toasted sandwiches/drinks and you may win a prize at the quiz!

Come on your own, come with friends, all welcome! Hope to see you on the 4th July 6pm till 8pm.

Click the link for more information and to book a FREE ticket.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/915292704117?aff=oddtdtcreator

Modern society is currently facing the largest displacement of people ever recorded by the United Nations. Individuals forced to flee their homes face numerous challenges, not the least of which is learning how to live in a new community. Sport and physical activity are often promoted as an easy way to bring people together; however, there are often key elements to consider when developing programs for forced migrants. The Culture, Behaviour, Inclusivity and Governance Research Group in collaboration with the Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity at the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City of Sanctuary invite you to join us for an informal evening where lessons from the field are shared by academics and community members who have designed and delivered sport and physical activity programs for forced migrants living across the United Kingdom and internationally. The evening will also provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, explore avenues for future programs and develop connections that provide an opportunity for these programs to come to fruition.

Date: July 4, 2024

Time: 17:00 - 19:00

Confirmed Speakers:

Thierry Middleton (University of Portsmouth)

Robyn Smith (Brunel University)

Mark Doidge (Loughborough University)

Nicola De Martini Ugolotti (Bournemouth University)

Hayley Ann Truskewycz (University of Lausanne)

Tentative Schedule:

17:00 - 17:15 Welcome

17:15 - 18:00 Speaker Roundtable

18:00 - 18:15 Questions

18:15 - 19:00 Social

Location: TBD

Further details will be sent to all those who register.

The organisers would like to thank the Democratic Research Theme at the University of Portsmouth for providing the funding for this evening.

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Location: Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsea PO1 3BS

Join the University of Portsmouth Heritage Hub for an evening exploring heritage narratives through theatre, stories, and drama. The event will feature local women’s suffrage stories, performances highlighting underrepresented voices from WWI, and a folk storyteller discussing animal disguises. Speakers include Left Eddy Stories production company, researcher Sarah Houghton, and artist James Edward Frost.

This free event celebrates gender and heritage through diverse performances and narratives. To book your place, please visit our Eventbrite page here.

Join us at the Restorative Relationships in Practice Conference!

We're delighted to invite you to this year's conference, a continuation of our successful quarterly series from 2023, designed to bring together practitioners from public and voluntary sectors, academics, and the public in Portsmouth. Funded by NHS Workforce Training and Employment and supported by Portsmouth's Health and Wellbeing Board and the University of Portsmouth's Civic Strategy, this conference aims to deepen understanding and develop participants' skills in restorative and relational approaches.

Date: Monday 15th July

Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm

Location: University of Portsmouth Eldon Building, Winston Churchill Avenue, PO1 2DJ

Conference Highlights:

Keynote Speaker: Peter Leonard, Chief Executive, The Centre for Emotional Health
Engage with experts: Learn from a diverse lineup of speakers who will share their insights on the theory, applications, and practical tools of restorative and relational practices.
Interactive sessions: Engage in discussions and workshops that explore tools and techniques, learning how to apply these practices in your work.
Networking opportunities: Meet and connect with others who share a passion for building collaborative, meaningful community relationships.
Organised by Portsmouth's Relational and Restorative Practice Community of Inquiry

About us - a group of colleagues from Portsmouth Mediation Service, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust and Portsmouth City Council. We share an interest in the theories that help us better understand and draw value from relationships, and how we research and evidence their value and the conditions that support them to thrive.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your professional and personal life with meaningful connections and practical and theoretical insights.

Make sure to mark your calendar and prepare to join us for an energising and informative day.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing an inspiring day focused on making a positive impact through restorative and relational approaches.

Exhibit and Promote Your Work: There's also an opportunity for organisations that champion restorative practices to showcase their work. For more information on setting up a display stand with your promotional material, please email steve@portsmouthmediationservice.org.uk.

Accessibility and special requirements: We will endeavour to provide particular access requirements on request. If you have any access requirements, e.g wheelchair access and hearing loops, please get in touch in advance of the event.

How to get here: Find out how to get here by checking our maps and directions.

Parking: Parking in Portsmouth is extremely limited, we encourage you to use the train, bus, cycle routes, or the city’s Park ‘n’ Ride facility.

Dietary Requirements: If you are registering after 1st July, we are unable to guarantee specific requirements.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact civicuniversity@port.ac.uk.

Date: Friday, 19 July 2024
Location: Landport, Portsmouth

Join us for the grand opening of PLAYCE Pompey, the UK's first multi-skills activity space using a pioneering scientific model for movement. This community hub is a collaborative effort between the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council, South Western Railway, and NIHR Clinical Research Network Wessex.

More details will be shared soon via Eventbrite.

Save the date, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Collaborate with us

If you're brimming with ideas for civic projects or eager to share the impactful activities you're already championing, we encourage you to send us an email. Every contribution you make is a an essential part of the change we're creating as a community.

Let us know about your ongoing civic work as a current member of staff, student, or another part of the University community, or reach out to us with a new project idea.

And if you're not officially part of our community yet but are drawn to civic collaboration, we warmly welcome your interest. Whether you're a part of our existing University community or you're looking to working with us for the first time, your unique perspective and active involvement will help us develop our future.

If you're also interested in keeping up to date on the civic networking events, please email sue.knight@port.ac.uk.

Email civicuniversity@port.ac.uk