ICB among partners in landmark universities agreement in Lancashire and Cumbria
Date posted: 12th November 2026
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is among the partner organisations who have signed a landmark agreement with four universities to create opportunities, tackle regional challenges and improve outcomes for people across Lancashire and Cumbria.
The Civic Universities Agreement (CUA) brings together Edge Hill University, Lancaster University, the University of Cumbria and the University of Lancashire, reaffirming their shared commitment to work alongside civic and public sector partners for the benefit of local communities.
Other signatories include Lancashire Combined County Authority, Lancashire County Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster District CVS, Lancaster & Morecambe College and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
Developed over three years, the agreement takes a longer-term, strategic approach to using the universities’ knowledge and talent to benefit local communities.
The agreement sets out six priorities: connected communities, economic growth, a skilled workforce, reducing health and social inequalities, environmental sustainability and strengthening the area’s collective identity. A stronger shared narrative aims to attract government investment and support joint research bids.
The universities already collaborate on projects benefiting the North West. Their work has helped attract government investment in the National Cyber Force and Eden Project Morecambe, build educational capacity through Barrow Learning Quarter and secure research and innovation funding.
The Civic Universities Group, established in 2023, coordinates regional initiatives, with the agreement supporting collaboration and new opportunities.
Initial projects include developing the Lancashire Data Observatory and a roadmap to address skills gaps, supporting inclusive growth across rural, coastal and urban communities through university research and expertise.