
Enabled through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESES CRD), which brings together six local authorities- West Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, and East Lothian, this pledge solidifies the region’s commitment to local economic empowerment and sustainable development. The pledge follows the production of a "Framework for Action" for the Deal, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), which provided key guidance for these commitments.
The ESES CRD Community Wealth Building Pledge includes three primary commitments that universities and colleges in the region are dedicated to achieving:
- Supporting the growth and development of SMEs - Institutions will prioritise sourcing goods and services from local businesses, building stronger economic ties within the community
- Support other progressive forms of ownership - Educational institutions will engage with and support community-based organisations, helping to build resilience, capacity, and long-term economic security within the region
- Support progressive employment practice - Universities and colleges will support fair work practices, create accessible career pathways, and provide training that aligns with local labour market needs, benefiting residents across Edinburgh and South East Scotland
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Chair of Edinburgh and South East Scotland’s Higher/Further Education Strategy Group and Principal of the University of Edinburgh, signed the pledge on behalf of the region’s universities and colleges.
Sir Peter said: “Over the past six years, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has delivered some incredible results with new jobs, skills and opportunities benefitting thousands of people. By signing this Community Wealth Building pledge, universities and colleges in the region are collectively harnessing their influence to drive change to better serve the communities we are a part of.”
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, in collaboration with CLES, serves as the foundation for this regional initiative. Together, they aim to drive equitable economic growth by encouraging local investment, community support, and sustainable development practices.
Ellen Munro, Head of Integrated Employer Engagement, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, said: “We are thrilled to see our universities and colleges come together to commit to the Community Wealth Building Pledge. This commitment highlights the ability of our anchor institutions to drive inclusive growth, contributing to resilient local economies and sustainable development across our region. By uniting around this pledge, we are accelerating growth in a way that uplifts communities, nurtures local talent, and invests in the success of every resident. This is not only a positive step for the region’s economy but a vital step toward a more prosperous, equitable future for all.”
This signing follows the recent commitments made by the Integrated Regional Employability and Skills lead officers as well as the Programme Management Office, led by Andy Nichol.
He added: “The Community Wealth Building Pledge represents a unified commitment from Edinburgh and South East Scotland’s key educational institutions and regional partners to invest in a future where growth is inclusive, equitable, and beneficial for all. By embedding these principles into the heart of their operations, universities and colleges are helping to create a legacy of shared prosperity across the region.”
This initiative aligns with the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s overarching mission to drive economic and social benefits that will resonate for generations.
Together, these efforts set a powerful example of how institutions can serve as anchors within their communities, championing economic resilience, opportunity, and sustainable growth.