Transformation and cultural change

About the Network

As part of a global movement, the UK Healthy Universities Network supports its members to develop and implement ‘whole university’ approaches to health, wellbeing and sustainability. It seeks to build a strong movement of universities committed to creating health-enhancing cultures and environments; enabling people to achieve their full potential; and contributing to the wellbeing of people, places and the planet. It aims to facilitate peer support, share information and guidance, advocate for Healthy Universities and encourage research and development.

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.

About Healthy Universities

A Healthy University adopts a holistic understanding of health; takes a whole university approach; and aspires to create a learning environment and organisational culture that enhances the health, wellbeing and sustainability of its community and enables people to achieve their full potential.

Join the Network

Network membership is currently free of charge.

Membership is open to universities and other higher education institutions within the UK. Associate membership is open to higher education institutions from outside the UK and other interested stakeholders from outside of the higher education sector.