About Us

Bridging Universities and Communities: Supporting Practitioners, Sharing Knowledge, and Driving Positive Change Across the UK

The UK Town and Gown Association (UKTGA) is an association of community practitioners that aims to strengthen the relationship between universities and the communities where their students reside. We connect and support the professional development of our members, ultimately contributing to making our communities a better place to live, work and study for all its residents.

For the past 10 years, we have been known as a pioneering and professional community of practice in Town and Gown relationships across the UK. With over 300 off-campus practitioners, UKTGA provides our network with the opportunity to connect, learn, and share knowledge and expertise.

Our association unites the town and the gown communities in an environment that extends beyond their traditional boundaries. This is to encourage interaction, understanding, and collaboration. For our members who occupy the “third space” between academic and professional roles,  such a space is essential for driving and delivering positive change for our communities.

Some Facts About UKTGA

Our vision is to create united and cohesive communities where the interests of universities, public sector, our students and communities are seamlessly integrated, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual enrichment. We envision towns and universities working hand-in-hand to cultivate innovative solutions to the impacts of university operations on communities and demonstrate how strong town-and-gown relationships can lead to stronger, more resilient communities for all.

Our mission is to equip, empower and enable our diverse network of higher education, public sector, student unions and student accommodation professionals to enhance positive town and gown relations. Our goal is to help our members address the impacts of university operations on communities, provide students with a good citizenship experience and ensure that students feel a sense of pride and belonging towards their host town or city.

  • Supportive of our universities, communities, students and cities we operate in,
  • Pioneering in innovative ways we do things,
  • Collaborative working in a synergetic way with other practitioners,
  • Authentic in leading a community of practice

Our members represent a diverse range of institutions, including universities, local governments, student unions, and housing providers. Together, we are working to make a positive impact on communities throughout the UK and beyond. Our goal is to create environments where students, staff, and residents can thrive.

UKTGA is dedicated to creating united and cohesive communities where the interests of universities, the public sector, our students, and communities are seamlessly integrated, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual enrichment.

We achieve this by:

  • Supporting Professional Development: We offer training, resources, events, and networking opportunities to equip our members with the tools they need to tackle the unique challenges of town-gown relations. Our programme helps members navigate the ever-evolving landscape of socio-cultural, political, and environmental factors, which often extend beyond the direct influence of universities.
  • Fostering Collaboration: We encourage collaboration between universities, local authorities, student unions, and housing providers, creating a unified approach to managing studentification and pooling resources for great impact.
  • Driving Innovation: By sharing best practices and encouraging creative problem-solving, we help our members develop new strategies to promote harmonious coexistence between students and long-term residents.
  • Enhancing Student Experiences: We help universities support their students in transitioning to independent living by offering assistance with managing finances, finding housing, and dealing with landlords. This support helps students feel more settled, ultimately improving their overall experience, mental well-being, and academic performance.
  • Promoting Community Integration: We prioritize efforts to integrate students into the local community through orientation programs, curricular and co-curricular opportunities, and clear processes for addressing antisocial behavior, all aimed at fostering respect and positive contributions to the community.
  • Research and learning: We are committed to community-engaged research and learning, providing a space for academic inquiry to support our mission of fostering positive town-gown relations.

UKTGA offers a range of services designed to support our members and advance the field of town-gown relations:

  • Bi-Annual Conference: Our flagship event, the UKTGA Conference, brings together professionals from across the UK and beyond to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions. The conference includes a mix of keynote presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.
  • Training Programs: We offer targeted training sessions, including our “Studentification and Town and Gown Relations” course, which equips participants with the tools they need to manage the impacts of student populations on local communities. See our event section for our upcoming training ahead of conference on the 10th November in Manchester.
  • Webinars and Online Resources: Through our monthly webinars and digital platforms, we provide ongoing education and support for our members, covering topics such as off-campus housing management, community engagement strategies, and conflict resolution.

We invite you to join the UK Town and Gown Association and become part of a dynamic community of professionals dedicated to fostering strong town-gown relations. As a member, you’ll gain access to our extensive network of experts, receive invitations to exclusive events, and benefit from our partnership with ITGA.

Learn more about membership options and register here.