Aviva and UEA collaborate to create civic and community impact
By: RIN
Aviva has signed UEA’s Civic Charter, marking a new chapter in a partnership built on shared values of civic responsibility and community engagement.
The Civic Charter sets out UEA’s commitment to working with organisations and individuals to tackle societal challenges – from climate change and public health to education and inclusion. It reflects UEA’s founding principle: “of the region, for the world.”
Aviva’s signature reinforces its dedication to building resilient communities. Through the Aviva Community Fund, the company supports grassroots projects across the UK, pledging £1.8 million in 2024 alone to causes focused on financial wellbeing, climate action, and social inclusion.
The signing of the Civic Charter builds on years of collaborative research and innovation activities, as well as student placement opportunities.
In October, UEA hosted a joint workshop bringing together representatives from both organisations to explore new opportunities for civic and community impact. Shared priorities included linking community programmes with research, raising aspirations among young people, and using their combined influence to benefit the region.
Image: Representatives from Aviva and UEA at the October workshop (photo credit: Stephen Chapman)
The session also highlighted current and emerging initiatives, such as UEA’s first Critical Carbon Literacy Workshop held on 7 November (attended by Aviva representatives), the Norfolk FinTech Report, and joint efforts in health, volunteering, and careers education. New proposed activities included greater involvement in postgraduate programmes, while continuing support for undergraduate placements, hosting civic hustings, and launching collaborative research on sustainability and risk.
Prof Johanna Forster, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for CivicUEA, said:
“The collaboration between UEA and Aviva is a purposeful strategic alignment. Both institutions are deeply invested in the future of East Anglia and beyond. By joining forces, we aim to foster innovation, empower citizens, and create opportunities that benefit the wider community. Together, Aviva and UEA are setting a powerful example of how universities and businesses can collaborate to deliver meaningful social value.”
James Hillman, Group Chief Risk Officer at Aviva, said:
“At Aviva, we believe thriving communities are the foundation of a resilient future. By signing the UEA Civic Charter and working with the UEA and partners across the region, we’re taking a place-based approach to help the UK get ready for the future, investing in skills, financial resilience, and climate preparedness.”
To learn more about the Civic Charter and see the full list of signatories, visit UEA Civic Charter. For details on Aviva’s community initiatives, explore the Aviva Community Fund.
Email business@uea.ac.uk for more information about collaborating with UEA.
Related Articles
UEA and Hethel Innovation building on solid foundations with new Memorandum of Understanding
UEA and Hethel Innovation have strengthened their longstanding collaborative partnership with the formal signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, recognising a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Read more
UEA signs open letter to Government on research funding reductions
UEA is one of a consortium of universities from the East of England to sign an open letter sent to UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak requesting a reconsideration on the Governments decision to reduce important research funding.
Read more
Bid for £29m clean energy research programme in East Anglia passes key milestone
The regions most prominent energy, marine and environmental science research centres, together with regional business, are partnering on a new collaborative bid, which will bring three world-leading research organisations together for the first time and c
Read more