The UKTGA is a pioneering and professional community of practice in the field of Town and Gown relationships across the UK, providing opportunities for connection, learning and sharing.

UKTGA works closely with the ITGA to ensure a truly global approach to off-campus management.

The central tenet of the UKTGA is to engage with all our stakeholders, while responding to all their needs quickly and innovartively. By harnessing all inclusive culture which priortises our communities and students.

The UKTGA was established in 2014 and is overseen and coordinated by Manchester Student Homes (MSH) on behalf of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

The Role of the UKTGA is to:

• To grow a powerful and diverse network of professionals who can collaborate together to improve and better understand town and gown relations
• To connect off-campus professionals by creating a network of practitioners who strive to support the off-campus experience for all members of our local communities
• Support universities across the UK to create key off campus campaigns to enhance the student experience
• Host ongoing learning and leading practice opportunities for off campus practitioners
• Develop academic research
• Serve on committees or task forces and take on special assignments relating to off campus themes

The work of the UKTGA is delivered by a Steering Group who strive to deliver regualr learning opportunities and a biannual conference as well as the coordination and dissemination of leading practice, academic research and networking opportunities. The UKTGA is chaired by Cooper Healey who also represents the ITGA at Board level, with support from Deputy Chair David Barrington.

The UKTGA has over 300 members globally, representing Universities, Student Councils (known as Students’ Unions in the UK) and, Local Authorities (The City), Police and other stakeholder organisations. The UKTGA facilitates ongoing dialogue and sharing of ideas to respond to issues which underpin the off-campus student experience. This includes, but is not limited to; safety, housing (licensing and planning), health and wellbeing, regeneration, environmental issues, drugs and alcohol as well as celebrating the contributions our students make to the communities in which they reside such as economic vibrancy, diversity and volunteering.

2023 has seen the UKTGA establish a program of regular webinars for members. Delivered by members and / or experts in their field. The webinars have so far covered a wide range of topics including Womens Night Time Safety, Oxford's Housing Champion Scheme and the Student Living Strategy established between the city and the universities in Nottingham.

A key theme deriving from all work undertaken via the UKTGA in particular our conferences is the strength of partnerships that have been fostered through our network.