Civic Engagement Forum

DCU engages with a wide range of partners and stakeholders in the community. Over the years, this has resulted in a large and complex network of connections.

DCU’s Civic Engagement Forum was established to help the University maintain an up-to-date understanding and overview of this network. Its goal is to ensure that DCU’s engagement with the community and civic society is coordinated, consistent, impactful and transparent. 

The Civic Engagement Forum holds regular meetings which can be attended by any interested DCU staff member. It provides a space for the University’s Schools and Units to outline new engagement proposals and update colleagues about ongoing projects. 

Community of Practice

With the attendance of staff members working in a wide range of academic and non-academic disciplines, the forum has helped to build a broad community of practice with a common interest in meaningful and impactful engagement.

In a large organisation such as DCU, engagement activities run the risk of being siloed, with the University’s Schools or research centres unaware of overlapping activities. By opening up the discussion to all staff, the Forum helps to keep colleagues informed and aware of what is happening in this space. 

Civic Engagement Forum meetings are a space for information-sharing about how the University engages with its communities. For example, a research team might consult with the forum looking for information about working with local schools that DCU has a relationship with, or looking for advice on engaging with new community partners. 

The Forum provides space for robust and open discussion on best practice in community engagement and a chance to share “what’s working and what's not working” in this area of activity. Forum meetings are minuted and available to staff who wish to inform themselves about the most recent discussions. 

Minutes of DCU Civic Engagement Forum Meetings

Terms of Reference for DCU Civic Engagement Forum