University pledges to boost support for local community

The University of Suffolk has signed a pledge to support communities in Ipswich and wider Suffolk

The University of Suffolk has pledged to boost its contribution to the local community.

It has signed a Civic University Agreement committing it to furthering its contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of people in Suffolk.

It follow the publication of an independent economic impact study which found the university, based in Ipswich, helped generate £862m in "gross value added (GVA)" through economic activity across the UK and jobs supported in the east of England between 2021 and 2022.

A previous study for 2017-2018 estimated the added value was £500m.

The GVA is a measure of the contribution of a unit such as an individual, organistation, firm or region, makes in terms of the value of goods and services it produces.

Increased student numbers and expansion of the university's business engagement and research activities contributed to the higher added value, the university said.

The agreement includes pledges to preserve and celebrate the culture and heritage of Suffolk, foster sustainable economic growth and expand community-based learning.

Prof Gurpreet Jagpal said the University of Suffolk was "delivering exceptional growth"

The university's vice-chancellor, Prof Helen Langton MBE, said: “As an anchor institution in Ipswich and Suffolk, it is important that the University of Suffolk delivers real-world impacts in our communities, and our signing of the Civic University pledge marks a continued commitment to this goal.

“Providing transformational higher education study opportunities for those who may never have had the chance, helping regenerate Ipswich, supporting and developing our NHS workforce, and partnering with businesses and community organisations are just some of the ways we have, and will continue, to serve Ipswich, Suffolk and beyond.”

Pro vice-chancellor business and entrepreneurship, Prof Gurpreet Jagpal, added: "Our Economic Impact Study demonstrates just how important our work at the University is in the UK, the region and in our county - delivering exceptional growth in only a few years."

He said the university had "exciting developments and ambitious plans for the future".