Are community connections and collaborations possible in higher education

This chapter outlines the book's overall themes. It critically explores the evolving role of universities as civic institutions embedded within their local communities. Framed by recent policy shifts such as the UK Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, it interrogates the concept of the university as an "anchor institution" with responsibilities extending beyond education and research to include social, cultural, and economic development. Central to the discussion is the tension between genuine community engagement and the risk of tokenistic practices driven by institutional metrics and performance frameworks such as the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and Access and Participation Plans (APPs).

Drawing on Freirean principles and community work values, the book advocates for a praxis-oriented approach to engagement—one rooted in inclusion, justice, and mutual learning. It highlights the unique contributions of Youth and Community Work programmes, which have historically supported widening participation, while also acknowledging the precarity and marginalization these programmes face within the academy. The concept of pracademia—a hybrid identity of practitioner and academic—is explored as a potential bridge between institutional demands and community-rooted practice.

Through case studies and reflective narratives, the authors present alternative models of engagement that emphasize starting where people are, building authentic relationships, and fostering meaningful participation over surveillance. The book situates these discussions within the broader context of ongoing societal crises—from austerity and Brexit to the Covid-19 pandemic—arguing for a values-led, trauma-informed, and hope-centred approach to higher education’s civic mission.