About the Network
What is the UK Healthy Universities Network?
The UK Healthy Universities Network supports its members to develop and implement ‘whole university’ approaches to health, wellbeing and sustainability. Currently convened and supported by the University of Central Lancashire (which, through its own long-running Healthy University initiative, has pioneered the approach globally), and led by a small Leadership Team and high-level Advisory Group, it is part of a global movement calling upon higher education institutions to:
- incorporate health and sustainability into their mission, vision and strategic plans
- lead and drive change in society by modelling, testing and transferring innovative approaches.
Vision and Aims
A signatory to the 2015 Okanagan International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, the UK Healthy Universities Network’s vision is to build a strong, supportive and motivating movement of universities committed to creating organisational cultures and learning and research environments that enhance the health, wellbeing and sustainability of their communities; enable people to achieve their full potential; and contribute to the wellbeing of people, places and the planet.
The Network’s aims are to:
- facilitate peer support through the exchange of information, guidance, research, practice and experience related to Healthy Universities
- develop, collate and disseminate models, guidance materials, tools and examples of good practice
- advocate, liaise and advise on the Healthy Universities approach at national and international levels
- encourage and facilitate collaborative development and research.
Meetings and Communication
UK Healthy Universities Network meetings and Themed Learning Events are currently held online, although it is hoped that a hybrid approach can be taken in the future…
Brief History and Overview
The Network began informally in 2006 when a small group of English HEIs interested in developing as Healthy Universities met up to discuss some of the challenges and to share current practice. It was greatly strengthened through a HEFCE-funded project, Developing Leadership and Governance for Healthy Universities – which also facilitated the development of this website. Since then its membership has grown and its remit has expanded to include universities from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Additionally, we welcome other stakeholder organisations and universities from overseas to join as associate members.
The UK Healthy Universities Network is led and funded by the University of Central Lancashire and Manchester Metropolitan University, with support from a Steering Group comprising representatives from a range of universities and other stakeholder organisations.