Council and University strengthen commitment to Wolverhampton through civic agreement

City of Wolverhampton Council and the University of Wolverhampton have strengthened their commitment to the city through a new Civic University Agreement (CUA) providing a shared framework for collaboration to support Wolverhampton's long-term future.

The agreement formalises the longstanding relationship between the Council and University and brings together two of the city's most significant anchor institutions around a shared vision for the city.

Developed in response to a recommendation from the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge, the agreement builds on many years of successful partnership working and creates a clearer framework for future collaboration.

It reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for residents, supporting inclusive economic growth and creating opportunities that benefit communities across Wolverhampton.

The Civic University Agreement establishes shared priorities, including supporting children, young people and families; promoting inclusive economic growth, skills and innovation; improving health and wellbeing; strengthening community wealth and social value; celebrating culture and creativity; and advancing sustainability and climate action.

Through the agreement, the Council and University will work together to identify opportunities where collaboration can make the greatest difference. This includes supporting people into learning and employment, attracting investment, developing skills, improving wellbeing, reducing inequalities and helping Wolverhampton realise its ambitions as a thriving, inclusive and sustainable city.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This agreement provides a strategic framework for collaboration, enabling both organisations to align activity and focus our collective effort on the issues that matter most to residents, businesses and communities.

“It is fitting it comes during Wolverhampton Business Week which is celebrating the power of partnerships in helping our city thrive.

“The university’s commitment and ambition for our city is vital and this agreement strengthens our joint work towards achieving a vision that creates a lasting benefit for Wolverhampton.”

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: "The University of Wolverhampton is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the city through this Civic University Agreement. As an anchor institution, we have a responsibility not only to educate and inspire our students, but also to work alongside partners to create opportunities, tackle inequalities and support the long-term success of our communities.

"Our partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council has already delivered significant benefits for the city, and this agreement provides a clear framework to strengthen that collaboration even further. Together, we can bring our collective expertise, influence and resources to support skills development, drive innovation, improve health and wellbeing, celebrate culture and creativity, and advance our shared sustainability ambitions.

"Wolverhampton is a city with tremendous potential, and by working together we can help ensure that residents, businesses and communities have the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to building on our strong relationship with the council to deliver lasting social and economic impact for the people of Wolverhampton."

The Civic University Agreement reflects a shared belief that stronger partnership working can help deliver better outcomes for local people. By bringing together the strengths, expertise and influence of both organisations, the agreement creates a platform for collaboration that will support Wolverhampton's future success and prosperity.

Image caption (L-R): Front - Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, and Angela Spence, University of Wolverhampton Chair of the Board of Governors, signing the Civic University Agreement at the Wulfruna Building. Back - Tim Johnson, City of Wolverhampton Council Chief Executive, and Professor Ebrahim Adia, University of Wolverhampton Vice Chancellor