Developing a University Navigator for community engagement

How can universities make it easier for communities to access their people, skills and spaces?

This poster shares the development of the University Navigator, a practical, web-based approach designed by the University of Plymouth and partners to provide a clear entry point for community organisations to connect with universities. Developed through the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA), the work explores how co-design, listening workshops and partnership working can help address common barriers to engagement.

Delegates will gain insight into the rationale behind the Navigator, how it was developed, key challenges encountered (including managing expectations and scope), and what has been learned about building more equitable and accessible partnerships.

The poster also introduces a simple five-step approach that other universities can adapt to develop their own Navigator, alongside examples of how existing university assets can be made more visible and accessible to communities.