United Kingdom Town and Gown Association

Fostering Strong University-Community Relationships Across the UK

The UK Town and Gown Association (UKTGA) is a leading professional network committed to strengthening the relationships between universities and the communities in which their students reside. With a mission to create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities, UKTGA connects practitioners across the UK who are dedicated to managing the complex dynamics of town-gown relations.

As an affiliate of the International Town and Gown Association (ITGA), UKTGA leverages a global perspective to address local challenges, drawing on international best practices and innovative solutions to improve off-campus management. Our collaboration with ITGA ensures that our members benefit from a wealth of knowledge, resources, and networks that span both sides of the Atlantic.

Our Mission

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 emphasize integrating students into the local community through comprehensive orientation programs, academic and extracurricular opportunities, and clear protocols for addressing antisocial behavior. Our goal is to foster mutual respect and ensure that students make 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.

Our Work

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. See our news section below for details of our upcoming conference 11-13 November 2024 in Manchester.
• 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 10^th November in Manchester.
• Webinars and Online Resources: Through our regular 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.

Our Impact

Since our founding in 2012, the UKTGA has grown to include practitioners from across the UK and the US. Our members represent a diverse range of institutions, including universities, local governments, student councils, and housing providers. Together, we are working to make a positive impact on communities, including our students, throughout the UK and beyond.

Join Us

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.

Upcoming Events

UKTGA Training; "Studentification and Town and Gown Relations: Strategies for Harmonious Coexistence"

10 November 2024 | Manchester, UK

This specialised training course is designed for professionals working in higher education, students' unions, local government, the public sector, and student housing. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced practitioner, this comprehensive course will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage the unique dynamics between students, universities, and local communities.

Learn more about training and register here.

UKTGA Conference 2024

11-13 November 2024 | Manchester, UK

We are thrilled to invite you to the UKTGA Conference 2024, marking our first in-person gathering since 2018! This highly anticipated event will focus on collaborative approaches to strengthening university-community relationships, with an emphasis on innovation and sustainable practices.

Join thought leaders, experts, and peers from across the UK and around the world as we explore new ideas and solutions for fostering vibrant, resilient communities. The conference will provide an invaluable platform for networking, learning, and sharing best practices in town-gown relations.

Learn more about the conference and register here.

We look forward to seeing you in Manchester!