Higher & Further Education Group Back CWB Pledge
Edinburgh and South East Scotland’s universities and colleges back pledge to build community wealth across the region.
In a landmark commitment to support inclusive growth, higher and further education institutions in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region have signed a Community Wealth Building Pledge. Enabled through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESES CRD), which brings together six local authorities—East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, and West Lothian, this pledge solidifies the region’s commitment to local economic empowerment and sustainable development.
The pledge follows the production of a "Framework for Action" for the Deal, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), which provided key guidance for these commitments.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson signing the pledge, with Ellen Munro (Head of Integrated Employer Engagement, ESES City Region Deal)
The ESES CRD Community Wealth Building Pledge includes three primary commitments that universities and colleges in the region are dedicated to achieving:
1. Supporting the growth and development of SMEs - Institutions will prioritise sourcing goods and services from local businesses, building stronger economic ties within the community
2. Support other progressive forms of ownership - Educational institutions will engage with and support community-based organisations, helping to build resilience, capacity, and long-term economic security within the region
3. Support progressive employment practice - Universities and colleges will support fair work practices, create accessible career pathways, and provide training that aligns with local labour market needs, benefiting residents across Edinburgh and South East Scotland
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Chair of Edinburgh and South East Scotland’s Higher/Further Education Strategy Group and Principal of the University of Edinburgh, signed the pledge on behalf of the region’s universities and colleges.
Sir Peter said;
“Over the past six years, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has delivered some incredible results with new jobs, skills and opportunities benefitting thousands of people. By signing this Community Wealth Building pledge, universities and colleges in the region are collectively harnessing their influence to drive change to better serve the communities we are a part of.”
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, in collaboration with CLES, serves as the foundation for this regional initiative. Together, they aim to drive equitable economic growth by encouraging local investment, community support, and sustainable development practices.