This book examines and analyses the complex and contradictory relationships between Higher Education Institutions in England and their local communities within a wider political and policy context. It provides an overview of the UK university system which has a long tradition of a mixed pattern of relationships with communities. The book critically explores the academic  spheres of teaching and learning, third stream activities and research,  showing how the ways in which different initiatives supported by national policy and funding bodies have shaped the relationship universities have with their communities as well as the opportunities and challenges institutions now face to develop and transform these relationships.

Carolyn Kagan is Professor Emerita of Community Social Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and Visiting Professor at Edge Hill University, UK.
John Diamond is Professor and Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation in the Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University, UK.