Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan has welcomed the University of Portsmouth’s pledge to the city to prioritise the economy and quality of life in the local community

Portsmouth joins a number of institutions from across the UK in committing to produce a “Civic University Agreement” in partnership with local government and other major institutions following work by the Civic University Commission set up by the UPP Foundation and chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake.

This week the Commission produced a report setting out how universities have the capability, opportunity and responsibility to support the places where they are based to solve some of their most pressing and major problems.

The city MP contributed to the review via a workshop last year with key university stakeholders

Stephen Morgan MP said:

“The University is at the heart of my ambition for our city’s community life, demonstrating its social value and contributing to the neighbourhoods it resides in and serves.

Universities are facing an unprecedented challenges and it is vital they are part of the wider community to ensure they are engaged and supportive of broader challenges affecting society.

Big institutions don’t always get the relations with communities right, and the Vice Chancellor is well aware I believe the University can do more to meet the challenges our city faces.

I am pleased Portsmouth was so involved in this important Commission and will continue to demonstrate its active part in our economy and community life.

This pledge is a significant step up. I look forward to seeing the University playing an even greater part in creating a compassionate city which works for everyone”.

The report identified a range of ways universities can help communities. These included helping local business adapt to technological change, boosting the health of local people, improving education for school pupils and adult learners, and training and developing new civic leaders in every field from politics to the arts.

The University’s sponsorship of Portsmouth Football Club was included in the report as an example of how universities can contribute to raising aspirations of people.