Four universities sign agreement to tackle skills gaps and attract investment across Lancashire and Cumbria
Universities and public sector partners commit to working together on regional challenges
Four universities in Lancashire and Cumbria have signed an agreement to work together with councils, health bodies and other public sector partners.
The Civic Universities Agreement has been signed by the University of Cumbria, Edge Hill University, Lancaster University and the University of Lancashire.
It sets out a shared commitment to unlock opportunities, tackle regional challenges and improve outcomes for local people.
Who has signed up
Signatories also include Lancashire Combined County Authority, Lancashire County Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council and Lancaster City Council.
Lancaster District CVS, Lancaster & Morecambe College, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Commissioning Board have signed too.
What the agreement covers
Six priority themes have been identified.
They include creating connected communities, driving economic growth, developing a skilled workforce, reducing health and social inequalities, and supporting environmental sustainability.
The agreement also commits the partners to strengthening the area's collective identity through a stronger shared narrative.
The aim is to attract more investment into Lancashire and Cumbria, both from government and through shared research bids.
Initial projects include developing the Lancashire Data Observatory and producing a roadmap for universities to work with further education providers and combined authorities to address skills gaps.
Progress against the agreement's objectives will be reviewed annually.
A steering board will provide strategic oversight, and a delivery group will be responsible for developing and implementing projects.
What the universities said
In a joint statement, the four university vice chancellors said: "The Civic Universities Agreement is a demonstration of our commitment to work collaboratively for the benefit of our communities and take a longer-term, strategic approach across Lancashire and Cumbria."
They said: "This milestone moment is the result of careful debate and deliberation over three years."
They also said: "Our universities are rooted in our local area. This agreement will strengthen our ability to work with partners to create opportunities, support inclusive economic growth and transform the lives and livelihoods of people across Lancashire and Cumbria, both now and for future generations."
Reaction from civic leaders
Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, said: "This civic agreement recognises the valuable role universities play in the communities they serve. The commitment to work together to secure investment, address challenges such as skills gaps and create new opportunities for our communities is very welcome."
Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "Our local universities already play an important role in shaping the culture, society and economy of Lancashire and Cumbria. This agreement represents another step on our journey of collaboration that has already brought real benefits to the area."
Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We are rightly proud of the quality of universities that are on our doorstep. We know that a lot of our young people chose to stay local for their further education and we want to keep that talent to help our places prosper."
He added: "Having access to the research and expertise at all of these universities is invaluable. This is brilliant timing as we move to having a Mayoral Strategic Authority in Lancashire."
Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council and chair of the CCA's Economic Advisory Board, said: "This is another really positive step forward for Lancashire, as we create a shared narrative around living and investing in our red rose county."
Background
The four universities say they have a long history of working together on projects in the North West.
Their collaboration has helped attract major government investment in initiatives such as National Cyber Force and Eden Project Morecambe.
It has also helped build educational capacity in Barrow Learning Quarter and secure competitive research and innovation funding.
A Civic Universities Group was established in 2023 to coordinate the universities' engagement with new pan-regional initiatives.
These include devolution, the Lancashire Growth Plan, Cumbria's Economic Strategy and national investment in defence and national security infrastructure.
In 2024/25, the universities employed more than 10,000 staff and spent £122m on capital programmes.
They educated a combined student population of more than 60,000 based in Lancashire and Cumbria.