The University of Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Council have signed a new Civic Agreement, confirming a shared commitment to work together to support education, culture, economic development and health outcomes across the borough.
The agreement, ‘Harnessing Culture, Growth and Opportunity’, will help both organisations work more strategically on key priorities for the area. Central to the agreement is the belief that collaboration between local institutions can have a significant impact on community wellbeing, prosperity, skills and long-term opportunity.
The partnership will focus on four themes that align with Bedford’s local priorities:
- Raising educational attainment and skills – supporting progression routes and ensuring education matches local workforce needs
- Growing a culture of opportunity – strengthening Bedford’s cultural sector and enabling businesses and creative organisations to thrive
- Securing inclusive growth – ensuring the benefits of major developments, such as East West Rail and Universal Studios, are widely shared
- Living better and longer – improving health outcomes through research (https://www.beds.ac.uk/research/), prevention, and community-based initiatives
Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This Civic Agreement marks an important milestone in our longstanding relationship with Bedford Borough Council. By working in closer partnership, we can help ensure that Bedford continues to be a place where individuals, communities and businesses thrive. From developing the skills essential for future growth – like those required for Universal Studios and other significant projects – to supporting cultural vibrancy and improving health outcomes, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to inclusive progress and opportunity for all.”
The University and Bedford Borough Council have already been working together on a range of shared projects. This includes collaboration on the UKSPF-funded business support programme (https://www.beds.ac.uk/ris/working-with-us/ukspf/ukspf-bedford-support/), which provides tailored guidance to help local organisations build resilience and succeed in a fast-changing economic climate. The new Civic Agreement will provide a clearer structure and shared governance to guide this type of work and expand collaboration further.
Tom Wootton, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said, “This Civic Agreement reflects what is possible when Bedford Borough’s key institutions come together with a shared purpose and ambition. By working side by side with the University of Bedfordshire, we are creating new ways for our residents and businesses to thrive, improving local skills and jobs, strengthening our cultural offer, and supporting better health outcomes across the borough. Collaboration is at the heart of our vision for Bedford Borough’s future, and this agreement shows what can be achieved when we pool our strengths for the benefit of every community.”
This is the second Civic Agreement of its kind for the University, following the partnership (https://www.beds.ac.uk/news/2023/march/university-and-council-announce-civic-agreement-to-benefit-luton/) signed with Luton Council in 2023. Together, the agreements reflect a wider commitment to working with local partners to support inclusive growth, reduce inequalities and ensure communities across Bedfordshire benefit from shared success.
To find out more about the Civic Agreement, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/bedford-civic-agreement