The University of Edinburgh has officially launched its new Community Plan 2025–2030, setting out a bold and focused roadmap for how it will work in partnership with local communities over the next five years. Read the new Community Plan 2025-30 Shaped by 18 months of consultation and more than 600 interactions with local residents, civic partners, third sector organisations, staff and students, the Plan builds on the success of two previous iterations and reflects the University’s long-standing civic mission—dating back to its founding by Edinburgh Town Council in 1583. Watch a video about the new Community Plan 2025-30. Three priorities for action The new Plan centres around three clear priorities: Partnering for positive social impact Supporting communities to create change that matters to them, through initiatives like the Binks Hub and Edinburgh BioQuarter’s Superlab at Castlebrae Community Campus. Promoting equalities, now and in the future Advancing social, economic and digital inclusion, with projects such as affordable housing through Simon Community Scotland and data literacy programmes for young people. Thriving communities Enhancing wellbeing and connection through shared spaces and resources, including Rullion Green Wood in the Pentland Hills and the University’s Community Grant Scheme. A civic university for your community The Plan outlines how the University will continue to support community-driven change, widen access to knowledge and skills, and promote inclusive growth. It aligns with the University’s Strategy 2030 focus on Social and Civic Responsibility, and its core missions in Data, Digital and AI, Future Health and Care, and Climate and Environment. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am immensely proud of the work undertaken to support and enhance the lives of our local communities through the University’s Community Plan. This new plan has been developed hand in glove with our local communities, through months of consultation, inside and out of the University’s walls and my hope is that they all see something of themselves in it in which they can either benefit from or contribute to."We were the first Scottish university to have a strategy aimed at nurturing our relationship with communities. It is a crucial part of our history, our present and our future. Our partnerships with city, region and communities are what ground us to our location, drive our innovation and support our recruitment.” Implementation and accountability The Plan will be overseen by the University’s Community Board, chaired by the Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and supported by the Community Team. Progress will be shared through annual public reports and milestone updates. Get involved The University invites staff, students, alumni, community partners and members of the public to explore the Plan and discover how they can contribute to its success. Read the Community Plan 2025-30 Contact the Community Team This article was published on 2025-10-07
