About us
Launched in September 2021, the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement brings together the region’s five higher education institutions and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in a collaborative effort to drive social, economic and environmental change in our city region.
The agreement was signed by the Vice-Chancellors of the University of Greater Manchester, the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford, the Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, alongside the leaders of all ten local authorities.
Drawing on what people across Greater Manchester told us they valued about their universities, we’ve committed to working side by side with local partners and communities to help build a fairer, greener, more prosperous future.
In 2025, we refreshed our shared priorities to focus on four areas where universities can make the biggest difference:
Opportunity & Prosperity: Widening access to learning and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Health & Wellbeing: Improving health outcomes and supporting our communities to thrive.
Environment: Tackling the climate crisis and building skills for a greener future.
Culture: Celebrating creativity and enriching cultural life across Greater Manchester.
What is a Civic University Agreement?
A Civic University Agreement (CUA) is a formal commitment between a university (or group of universities) and its local community to work together to address shared challenges and opportunities. It outlines how universities will use their resources, expertise, and influence to contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of the region.
What makes the Greater Manchester agreement distinctive isn’t just its scale, but its willingness to listen and act on what it hears. This is about long-term relationships, not quick fixes — and a shared ambition to create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable city region.
Our Partners
