The pledge commits each institution to take action and make decisions that support local economic growth and sustainable development.
As Chair of Edinburgh and South East Scotland’s Higher Education/Further Education Strategy Group, University of Edinburgh’s Principal, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson signed the pledge on behalf of the region’s universities and colleges.
Local impact
The pledge was created by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in 2022 following work with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) to explore community wealth building within its projects.
It asks each university and college to support the growth and development of local businesses; support fair employment practises; and engage with community-based organisations and projects to build resilience and long-term security within the region.
Each commitment aims to prioritise actions that ultimately ensure that money that’s made by local businesses and projects stays local.
Empowering communities
Signing the pledge reaffirms the University‘s own plans to deliver positive change for local people.
Social and civic responsibility is one of the four key focuses of the University’s vision up to 2030 and outlines the ways it can leverage its own resources to support those in its community.
Steps the University has taken to deliver on its promises include the launch of a new procurement strategy to support sustainable and inclusive growth.
This will integrate practices that maximise community and economic development, advocate for fair working conditions and actively support small and local businesses in accessing contracting opportunities.
Other areas of focus include a £8m Socially Positive Investment fund – including a £1m investment providing accommodation for up to 30 homeless people in the city – and a renewed commitment to the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee.