West of England universities and colleges formally launch joint forums to boost skills, growth and opportunity

Universities West and Colleges West have announced their formal launch, bringing together the West of England’s universities and colleges through two new regional forums to strengthen collaboration, support economic growth and improve opportunities for learners.

At an event held at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus, Universities West signed its Memorandum of Understanding while Colleges West formally signed and declared its Charter.

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 UWE Bristol, Bath Spa University, the University of Bath and the University of Bristol. 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 (Not in Education, Employment or Training) 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 Sir Steve West, Chair of Universities West and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, 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.”

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.”

David Withey, Colleges West Chair and Principal of SGS College, said: “Colleges in the West of England educate 50,000 learners every year. We are also one of the largest employers in the region, with nearly 3,500 people working to provide the workforce of the future, and build a more prosperous and inclusive region where more people can access the opportunities that growth creates.

“We are ambitious for the West of England and for the people who live and work here. Colleges West is a partnership that will enable us to combine our expertise, reach and employer relationships. Working together will help us unlock talent in every community, create clearer pathways into learning and work, and align the skills of our residents with the region’s priorities.”

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.”