GuildHE is today launching a Local and Regional Policy Manifesto with a series of 3 recommendations to the next government.

Places manifesto
  1. Strengthen the voice of universities and colleges in regional strategic planning for better local growth and regeneration
  2. Harness the full diversity of higher education providers to address skills barriers and low productivity
  3. Reform the regional research and innovation funding system to be fit for purpose

Universities and colleges play a vital role in driving local and regional economic growth. They enrich the social and cultural fabric of their communities helping foster a sense of pride, but there is more that we can do.

The GuildHE manifesto makes a number of recommendations about how universities and colleges can further support local communities. We address skills gaps, support local businesses, drive engagement with cultural hubs and mobilise regional investment in research and innovation. By unlocking and maximising the potential of the diversity of UK higher education providers we will make better places together.

Anthony McClaran, GuildHE Chair, and Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University Twickenham

Read the manifesto