Yorkshire university at forefront of community response to coronavirus

Sheffield Hallam University will host the Civic University Network, an initiative which will roll out an effective higher education 'community action plan' as a response to the pandemic.

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University vice-chancellor, said: “At Sheffield Hallam, we have always emphasised the importance of community.

"In these challenging times, it’s all the more important that universities meet their obligations to society.

"There really has never been a time when universities’ civic role has been more important than it is now.

"The network will be a vital way to support our communities in the months and years ahead.”

The immediate priority for all universities is to focus on the safety of their students and staff, as well as implement measures to continue their education offer.

The network will provide supportive guidance and best practice case studies to all universities.

University civic leads will also discuss and collaborate with key sectors including the NHS and local government, on joint approaches.

Once these plans have been put in place civic universities will support their local communities overcome the long-term social and economic challenges that will result from this crisis.

The network will be working with Universities UK, the NHS Confederation and other key sector bodies to develop this coordinated response to the challenges ahead.

By facilitating a shared approach to the pandemic among all universities, the network will aim to be at the leading edge of the sector’s long-term response to the challenges presented by coronavirus.

Niall Dickson, cheif executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The NHS and university sector have a long and proud history of working closely to enrich local communities.

"This relationship is now more important than ever.

"The NHS, along with other public services, is being stretched to its limits and is reliant on the support, ideas and ingenuity of local partners, and especially universities."

Mr Dickson added he had been given confidence for the coming months after hearing from clinicians on the ground of how NHS organisations and universities are working together.

To support these priorities, Sheffield Hallam University will receive £145,000 to establish the Civic University Network, following the Arts Council’s decision to award £20,000 of additional seed funding.

This builds upon the original £50,000 and £25,000 contributions from the UPP Foundation and the Carnegie UK Trust, as well as the Department for Education’s £50,000 funding award.

Sheffield Hallam University will be supported by the University of Glasgow, University of Newcastle, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of Birmingham.

Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation, said: “It is vital that this happens quickly.

"The network will have a vital role in helping to coordinate a long-term sector response to helping communities overcome the social and economic challenges arising from the spread of coronavirus.

"The civic role of universities will be particularly important in developing shared community responses during this time of crisis.”