Sheffield Hallam marks key progress on ‘civic’ pledges to South Yorkshire

Sheffield Hallam University is marking the two-year anniversary of the launch of its Civic University Agreement, after achieving success against several key pledges made to the region.

After consultation with local residents and key partners, the Agreement was launched in July 2021 and set out a raft of commitments to improve the lives of people living and working in South Yorkshire, addressing key regional challenges.

Over the last two years, the Agreement has provided direction for local interventions that have had an impact on the economy and skills, education, health, and regeneration in the region. Delivering the first phase of the University’s campus plan was a commitment to regeneration, helping to transform a key gateway to the city.

The development involves three new net zero carbon ready buildings surrounding a public green space on Howard Street. Last month the development reached the milestone of the highest point in the construction, with the buildings due to be finished in 2024.

More than 400 construction workers are currently involved in the development and several Sheffield Hallam students are undertaking placements and apprenticeships with construction partners supporting the regional economy and training the next generation of industry leaders.

Expanding the University’s degree apprenticeship provision was another key commitment. In 2021, Sheffield Hallam pledged to offer at least 2,500 work-based degree apprenticeships by 2024. That target was achieved in February 2023, a year ahead of schedule.

The University was also the first in the country to offer a degree apprenticeship in physiotherapy and has one of the broadest portfolios of degree apprenticeships in the country in industries including engineering, construction and digital.

Sheffield Chamber of commerce chief executive, Louisa Harrison-Walker, said: “Sheffield Hallam University’s continued commitment to the city it calls home and South Yorkshire is helping to address critical regional challenges and improve the lives of people in the region.

“Whether it is transforming their city centre campus to act as an impressive gateway to the city, helping to drive the economy forward, upskilling communities via apprenticeship programmes or tackling inequalities in the city, their work is making a huge impact. While more is still to be done, the Civic Agreement has helped lay some incredibly strong foundations we will continue to support them as the work continues.”

Sheffield Hallam University deputy vice-chancellor, Richard Calvert, said: “We are proud of our place at the heart of our city and region, and of the impact we continue to make.

“While progress has been made against our civic commitments to the region, we also know how much more there is to do, and the challenges that many of our communities face. We are determined, alongside our partners and local community, to do more, and to make ‘civic’ an even stronger part of who we are and how we work.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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