We are a Civic University

As a modern civic university, we support the economic growth, wellbeing and future prosperity of the communities we serve.

We have built up extensive relationships with employers, local authorities, education providers, charities and cultural organisations. This places University of Staffordshire at the centre of important regional conversations and opportunities.

Our civic partnerships also enable us to enhance the student experience, with access to placements, guest speakers, mentors and networking events.

Business and Innovation

• The annual University of Staffordshire Business Awards recognise the regional business community and help us to promote enterprise, innovation and economic growth across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
• The University is a patron of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, which represents more than 1,200 business.
• We also have a flourishing relationship with Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID – the organisation for businesses based in the city centre.

Communities

• The Your Heroes Awards are organised by the University and celebrate inspirational individuals and organisations across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
• During 2025, the University played a significant role in celebrating the centenary of Stoke-on- Trent being bestowed city status. This included designing a new civic mace for Fenton.
• We work with the Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective, a network of 71 community partners, youth practitioners and key influencers, which shares good practice in engaging with young people.
• The University is involved in the Made in Stoke on Trent diaspora network, which includes more than 500 influential members nationally and internationally.

Sport

• The University maintains strong links with both Stoke City FC and Port Vale FC through sponsorship and partnership activity.
• We have a partnership with Staffordshire Football Association, which has a network of more than 40,000 people involved in grassroots football.

Culture and Tourism

• The University was a founding patron of We Are Staffordshire, which is designed to promote the county nationally and internationally.
• We support the Arnold Bennett Book Prize in partnership with the Arnold Bennett Society.
• We hosted our third TEDx event in 2025, featuring a diverse range of speakers from across business, education, sport, the arts and public life.