Three leading universities have joined the Mayor of the East Midlands in pledging to drive inclusive growth across the region.
The University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham have signed an East Midlands University Compact with Mayor Claire Ward and East Midlands Combined County Authority chief executive Amy Harhoff.
The agreement sets out a shared commitment to closer collaboration on issues that matter to people, communities, and businesses in the East Midlands.
Mayor Claire said: “Our universities are among our greatest regional assets. They educate our people, support our businesses and help shape the future of our communities. This Compact is about working together so that growth in the East Midlands is not just bigger, but better – and felt by people in their everyday lives.
“By pulling in the same direction, we can speak with a stronger voice, attract investment, and make the East Midlands a place where people want to live, work, study and build their future.”
The Compact focuses on four key areas: education and skills; research and insight; business growth and innovation; and inclusive growth.
The universities and EMCCA will work together to create more opportunities for local people to learn, retrain, and find good jobs in the East Midlands, aligned with the Mayor’s recently published East Midlands Growth Plan.
By working together, EMCCA and the universities will attract major funding and turn research into real solutions that benefit communities, businesses and the local economy.
The partnership will help businesses grow, innovate, and attract new investment to the region, making the most of opportunities such as the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Investment Zone.
Inclusive growth is central to the partnership, with a focus on giving everyone, especially young people and underrepresented groups, a fair chance to succeed while supporting sustainability and wellbeing.
EMCCA and the universities share a long-term ambition to make the East Midlands one of the most innovative, productive, inclusive, and sustainable regions in the UK.
Together, they are aiming to tackle inequalities, strengthen education pathways, drive sector growth, and attract investment. The Compact also recognises the unique strengths of each university and the value of working with a strong, unified voice to champion the region.
It is hoped regular collaboration and shared projects will help turn shared ambition into real outcomes for the region.
Prof Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said: “Universities are anchor institutions within their regions, with a responsibility to use their teaching, research and civic leadership to make a meaningful and lasting difference to our communities.
“This Compact recognises the vital role that universities play in creating opportunities, developing skills, fostering innovation and promoting inclusive growth, and it strengthens our shared commitment to collaboration and partnership for the benefit of the East Midlands.”
Prof Jane Norman, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Nottingham, said: “Effective engagement with regional skills and growth priorities, and meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders, are central to shaping a university that meets the future needs of our students, employers and our place.
“This Compact Agreement cements our shared ambitions across education, skills, innovation and inclusive growth, and recognises the strong collaboration already under way to deliver shared priorities such as the East Midlands Investment Zone.”
Prof Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor and President of Nottingham Trent University, said: “Universities have a vital role to play in shaping the future prosperity of our region, and this Compact reflects a shared commitment to working together for the East Midlands.
“By aligning our strengths in education, research and innovation with the Mayor’s priorities, we can help create opportunities that support inclusive growth, strengthen skills pathways and ensure that the impact of our work benefits communities, businesses and young people across the region.”
Published on: 4 February 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development, Skills and Employment