Communities come together with universities as Future Communities launches in Northamptonshire
Last updated on Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 at 9:52am
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Civic leaders and residents from across Northamptonshire have come together to discuss the future of their community as part of a new national initiative led by Universities UK which will explore how universities can better support the people and local areas they serve.
Hosted in partnership with the University of Northampton, the Future Communities town hall event brought together residents, employers, civic, council and public services leaders, educators, students and community organisations to discuss a simple question:
“What should Northamptonshire look like in 20 years and how can the university help?”
The event is the first in a series of Future Communities conversations taking place across the UK as part of Universities UK's wider Future Universities programme, which is exploring how universities can evolve to meet the changing needs of students, employers and society over the coming decades.
Future Communities is designed as a listening exercise, creating a space for local people and organisations to influence discussions about the future of their communities and the role universities can play in supporting local priorities, opportunities and aspirations.
At yesterday’s event, participants discussed Northamptonshire's strengths, the challenges facing local communities and the opportunities that could define the county's future. Conversations explored topics including skills, jobs, health, community wellbeing, civic pride, economic growth and how local organisations can work together to deliver lasting change, including the University of Northampton.
Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, President of Universities UK, said:
Universities are anchor institutions in their communities. They educate local people, undertake research, support employers and help drive economic and social progress. But if universities are to continue making the greatest possible contribution, they need to listen closely to the communities they serve.
"Future Communities is about making sure local voices are central to the conversation about their own future and the future of higher education. We want to understand what people value in their communities, what challenges they face and where universities can make the biggest difference for them.
"Northamptonshire and the University of Northampton have shown exactly why these conversations matter. We have heard a huge range of perspectives and ideas today, and those insights will help inform our work as we develop a vision for the future role of universities in society.
Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL
President of Universities UK
This event has been about listening. We brought together people with very different experiences of Northamptonshire because we wanted to hear what matters to them and what they want the future of our communities to look like.
“What we've heard today will not simply sit on a page. It gives us an opportunity to think honestly about where the University can make a difference, where we need to do more and, importantly, where we need to work alongside others.
“Universities are part of the communities they serve. Our role is not simply to educate students or contribute to the economy, but to be a partner in helping our communities thrive.
Becky Bradshaw
Interim Vice Chancellor at the University of Northampton
The Future Communities programme forms part of UUK's Future Universities work, which is considering how higher education institutions will need to adapt in response to changing economic, technological and social trends. A central principle of the programme is that universities cannot shape their futures in isolation; they must do so in partnership with the communities, businesses and public services around them.
By bringing together local voices, UUK hopes to identify practical ways universities can better support opportunity, tackle local challenges and contribute to thriving communities across the UK.
Insights gathered through the Northamptonshire event will contribute to the wider Future Universities programme and help inform future discussions with universities, policymakers, employers and communities across the UK.
The Future Communities initiative will continue with further events and engagement activities over the coming months as Universities UK works with institutions and partners to explore how universities can continue to serve as drivers of opportunity, innovation and community impact.
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