NCCPE - Embedding engagement in higher education institutions

Involve has been commissioned by The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) to design and develop toolkits for senior managers and staff of higher education institutions, in order to help embed public engagement within their organisations.

The NCCPE is part of the Beacons for Public Engagement Scheme, which was set up in 2007 to create a culture within UK Higher Education where public engagement is formalized and embedded as a valued and recognized activity for both students and staff at all levels.

The NCCPE is developing a Manifesto for Public Engagement which senior managers can sign to show their commitment to embedding engagement into the work of their institution. Two toolkits will sit alongside the manifesto to inspire and equip managers and staff to put their commitment into practice. These will provide practical tools, case studies and resources to inspire and equip university managers and staff to make public engagement part of their work.

Involve will produce A self assessment tool for senior managers allowing them to plot where their institution sits on a maturity matrix and identify where their aspirations lie. A range of case studies, practical examples and resources will be provided to help them move forward in embedding public engagement in their organisations. The practitioners' toolkit will provide staff and students with information and resources to help support their public engagement work. The development of the toolkits will be informed by a series of consultations with senior managers and staff from a wide range of higher education institutions. These face to face events will give managers and staff the opportunity to give their input, share best practice, bring forward useful resources and test the materials.

The Manifesto and the toolkits will be launched at the NCCPE Engagement Conference, the 7th of December 2010.

For more information on the NCCPE or the other Beacons for Public Engagement please visit www.publicengagement.ac.uk

Image - Mera M