Public Engagement
We are delighted that the National Co-ordinating Centre (NCCPE) has recently awarded the University of Suffolk a Bronze Watermark for Public Engagement.
“As a civic university, public engagement is at the heart of everything we do and supports our ambition to deliver a positive transformation within the region. This watermark is an important milestone in our growth as we continue to build strong relationships with our research, business and local communities.”
Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk
What is the Public Engagement Watermark?
Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public, and the Engage Watermark is a national award that recognises institutional excellence in public engagement. The Watermark is both a rigorous assessment and a developmental process providing a rich source of data and insight, supported by expert recommendations and enabling an institution to further embed its support for impactful public engagement.
It provides external validation of a university’s commitment to embedding engagement strategically, aligning with sector-wide initiatives such as the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), Research Excellence Framework (REF), and KE Concordat. The Watermark process invites universities to reflect on their current public engagement practice— assessing the understanding and awareness of public engagement, the support for high quality engagement activities, and the institution’s strategic intent—through a university-wide survey, a series of site-visits, and one-to-one interviews. Universities can then use the recommendations to develop a robust plan to enhance their engagement work moving forward.
Winning a Bronze Engage Watermark is a significant step for the University of Suffolk and demonstrates our commitment to developing and enhancing our approach to public engagement.
“The NCCPE seeks to enhance the quality and impact of public engagement with the HE sector. We're thrilled to award the University of Suffolk a Bronze watermark award, recognising their strengths, support for, and dedication to public engagement. We were inspired by the university's commitments to making an impact locally, and their excellent engagement with local organisations to address community needs. We are excited to see how Suffolk builds on these strong foundations to grow and develop their engagement work”
Sophie Duncan, Co-Director of the NCCPE
Our Approach to Public Engagement
Public Engagement is deeply embedded in our civic mission and knowledge exchange strategy
We actively foster public engagement through research projects that directly benefit our communities, particularly in our areas of excellence: health and wellbeing, social justice, creative digital technologies, and sustainable energy.
We support staff and students through dedicated training and development opportunities, recognising and rewarding high-quality engagement activities. Our partnerships with local organisations ensure our research and knowledge exchange activities remain relevant and impactful, while our inclusive approach ensures we reach diverse audiences across Suffolk.
The future of public engagement lies in genuine co-creation with communities. While universities have traditionally focused on 'sharing' knowledge, we believe the next evolution is about collaborative knowledge creation. This means reimagining community members not just as audiences but as partners in research and innovation.
“I am delighted that we have received a bronze watermark award in recognition of our commitment to public engagement and for the framework we have put in place to support it. I would like to thank my colleagues across the University who embed the principles of public engagement in their work.”
Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk