A university is strengthening its role as a civic leader through innovation and community partnerships.
Recently, the University of Worcester welcomed senior officials from the Office for Students (OfS) for a visit focused on its civic mission and regional impact.
Ruth Hannant, joint chief executive of the OfS, was joined by board member Andrew Wilson and senior private secretary Paige Clarkson.
The visit included a tour of The Hive, a joint facility with Worcestershire County Council that brings together education, public services, and youth employment support.
Ms Hannant said: “It’s been really interesting to see how embedded the University is within its community.
“The Hive is really impressive and a really interesting approach.
“It was wonderful to see it so lively, full of people, and so welcoming.”
Discussions also explored the university’s wider civic projects and commitment to public good.
Andrew Wilson praised the university’s practical teaching methods.
Mr Wilson said: “I was struck by the imaginative hands-on approaches to immersive and interactive learning – and how they can be used to build skills and confidence in a safe environment.”
Professor David Green CBE, vice chancellor of the University of Worcester, said: “The Hive demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together for a common purpose.
“It is a civic institution in the truest sense, bringing together education, opportunity, culture, skills, and public services under one roof for the benefit of the people of Worcestershire.
“Much of our civic work is not driven by regulation or external requirements.
“We do it because we believe universities should be active participants in the life of their communities.”
The OfS team also toured a new immersive suite at the university’s Severn Campus.
The suite, with high-tech medical training equipment funded through a £2.5 million capital grant from the OfS, supports interprofessional training for medical and healthcare students.
