Cuppa over Community is a brand-new pilot scheme aimed at providing the local community with a chance to have their voices heard in a meaningful, personal and informal way. The voices of the local community matter a lot to us and we want to take the time to listen to your perspectives and provide you with the reassurance that your voice is being heard and helping to make a collective difference to how the University of Reading engages with the local community.

This scheme is making up part of our autumn term community consultation which will be the basis for our Community Action Partnership vision document that will outline our ambitions to become a University that engages better with the community. When completed, this will be shared among staff, students and the local community. If the pilot is successful this scheme will be offered on a termly basis, however, each time focusing on a new topic, for example sustainability, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion etc.

How does it work?

Anyone in the local community can sign up to 15-minute slots with a staff member at the University who will take you through some questions to help gather your views on our engagement with the local community. There will also be space for you to share any other feedback you might have.

Why are we offering this scheme?

The University of Reading recognises that sometimes we all get a bit tired of constant surveys. They can feel impersonal, time consuming and it can feel frustrating when you don’t feel as though your feedback is going anywhere. This scheme is meaningful, personal and takes as much time as it would to drink a proper brew!

With the additional impact of Covid-19, we also recognise that some of us have been left feeling quite isolated. In a ‘normal’ world, we’d be having these conversations in person and coming into your community to hear your thoughts. However, we are doing all we can at the moment to keep our community safe, so at this moment in time, that is not possible. This scheme is one solution and offers a chance for you to connect with a staff member and improve that sense of belonging we want you to feel with the University.

How can I sign up?

• If you’d like to sign up to a 15-minute slot, please email community@reading.ac.uk.
• You are also more than welcome to request the questions and fill them out or provide feedback in your own time. For details, please email community@reading.ac.uk.
• Although this is a chance to provide feedback, if you would like to make a complaint, please email community@reading.ac.uk.