We will work together with local communities

Our Community Plan 2020-2025 sets out 32 practical commitments the University of Edinburgh is making to our local communities.

What we've done in year two

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Community Preston St school children

In November 2020, the University reaffirmed its commitment to the city through the creation of the Community Plan 2020-25. The plan outlines how we plan to bring about positive social impact and act responsibly and collaboratively with communities in our local region. 

The Plan has 32 commitments that fall into five broad themes:

  • Support Social Impact
  • Share Knowledge and Experience
  • Build Close Connections
  • Provide Services to our Communities 
  • Open our Estate

With two years of progress underway, we wanted to share a summary of what the University's staff and students have been working on over the last year.

Case studies from this year's report include Our Edinburgh Neighbourhood, the Talbot Rice Gallery, the University of Sanctuary, Sport & Exercise and green communities.

What we've done in year two

Community Plan foreword

Founded by Edinburgh’s Town Council in 1583, we are the oldest university in the English-speaking world to be established on a civic foundation and, as such, place a special importance on how we engage with our city, our region and its various communities.

In the early 20th Century, this relationship was exemplified by the University Settlement movement, which sought to alleviate poverty across the city and empower communities. Fast forward 80 years, and the University is now a key partner in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, where we are putting our excellence in research and education at the service of communities, government and industry, to realise the benefits of data driven innovation and promote inclusive economic growth.