FUNDING BOOST FOR CIVIL SOCIETY UNIVERSITY

PrimeTimers, leading supplier of business expertise to the third sector, has secured initial

funding from Esmee Fairburn to progress the concept of a civil society university. Since it

was first discussed two years ago, in a series of public debates hosted by

Emeritus Professor Martin Albrow, LSE, support for a dedicated university of the third sector

has gathered momentum among academics and sector leaders.

“As the main parties express increasing support for early years funding, possibly at the

expense of higher education, the case for an independent flexible education system for the

third sector which is accessible to all ages at any stage in their careers, must be an attractive

option” said Mary Chadwick, Director of PrimeTimers.

“There is a general consensus from inside and outside the third sector that there is a much

greater role to play in society so now is the ideal time to look at formalising the concept for a

higher education system dedicated to civil society” she continued.

Phase one of the one year feasibility study will be carrying out research into the benefits,

developing a coalition of support from interested third sector organisations and holding a national

conference to take the project onto the next stage.