At an event held yesterday at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), Universities West signed its Memorandum of Understanding alongside a new Charter signed by Colleges West to bring together colleges from across the region.
The launch took place in the presence of Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West of England, and representatives from across the academic, business and civic community.
Universities West comprises Bath Spa University, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Colleges West brings together Bath College, City of Bristol College, SGS College, St Brendan's Sixth Form College and Weston College.
Together, the institutions teach more than 150,000 students and contribute billions of pounds to the economy. Through the two forums, they will work collectively to open up opportunities for learners, strengthen partnerships with employers and policy makers, and support the West of England’s long-term economic growth.
Futures West, initiated by Business West, will act as the secretariat for both forums. Futures West is a collaboration between businesses and leading universities to drive long-term change for the benefit of the wider West of England Region. In partnership with the Brunel Centre, Futures West promotes evidence-based insights to attract investors and inform policy makers.
The launch event included speeches and a discussion on the role colleges and universities can play in driving economic growth and social mobility across the West of England. The discussion was particularly timely following the publication of the Milburn report on young people and work, and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's (WECA) Skills Strategy, which sets out an ambition for the region to become the country's first NEET Zero region.
Each forum has agreed a set of tangible objectives, including working alongside WECA to support delivery of the regional Skills Strategy. This involves a shared focus on current and future workforce needs, upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: "We're proud to be part of Universities West and to strengthen our collaboration with other universities in the region. By working together across the West of England, we can create clearer pathways for learners, respond more effectively to employers' skills needs, and help more people benefit from the opportunities our region has to offer.
"Our universities and colleges share a commitment to widening participation, supporting lifelong learning, and driving inclusive economic growth. Through Universities West and Colleges West, we can build on our collective strengths to help deliver the skills, innovation and talent that will be essential to the region's future prosperity."
Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West at Business West, said: "The West of England region has many things to be proud of, and one is how we collaborate. These two forums are all about working collaboratively, purposefully and transparently for the benefit of our region and its people."
Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL, Chair of Universities West and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, said: "I'm excited by what Universities West can achieve. By working in partnership, we can help create the right conditions to boost skills, widen opportunity and support economic growth. This united front reflects the region's wider commitment to collaboration and to improving outcomes for people and communities across the West of England."
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "Our universities and colleges are vital drivers of growth here in the country's fastest-growing regional economy, creating pathways to good jobs for local people, driving innovation, and attracting national and international investment. I warmly welcome the official launch of Universities West and Colleges West, and their commitment to working collaboratively to boost economic growth and create new jobs in the West of England."