University pledges to drive inclusive growth across region

The University of Derby has joined the Mayor of the East Midlands in pledging to drive inclusive growth across the region.

The university – along with Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham – has signed an East Midlands University Compact with Mayor Claire Ward and East Midlands Combined County Authority chief executive Amy Harhoff.

The agreement sets out a shared commitment to closer collaboration on issues that matter to people, communities and businesses in the East Midlands.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby, said: “Universities are anchor institutions within their regions, with a responsibility to use their teaching, research and civic leadership to make a meaningful and lasting difference to our communities.

“This Compact recognises the vital role that universities play in creating opportunities, developing skills, fostering innovation and promoting inclusive growth, and it strengthens our shared commitment to collaboration and partnership for the benefit of the East Midlands.”

The Compact focuses on four key areas: education and skills, research and insight, business growth and innovation and inclusive growth.

The universities and EMCCA will work together to create more opportunities for local people to learn, retrain, and find good jobs in the East Midlands, aligned with the Mayor’s recently published East Midlands Growth Plan.

By working together, EMCCA and the universities will attract major funding and turn research into real solutions that benefit communities, businesses and the local economy.

The partnership will help businesses grow, innovate, and attract new investment to the region, making the most of opportunities such as the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Investment Zone.

Inclusive growth is central to the partnership, with a focus on giving everyone, especially young people and underrepresented groups, a fair chance to succeed while supporting sustainability and wellbeing.

Mayor Claire said: “Our universities are among our greatest regional assets. They educate our people, support our businesses and help shape the future of our communities.

“This Compact is about working together so that growth in the East Midlands is not just bigger, but better – and felt by people in their everyday lives.

“By pulling in the same direction, we can speak with a stronger voice, attract investment, and make the East Midlands a place where people want to live, work, study and build their future.”