Improvements in health and wellbeing across Renfrewshire through enhanced education and research and collaboration on workforce development is the goal of a new strategic partnership between University of the West of Scotland (UWS), West College Scotland (WCS) and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP).

The agreement provides a framework for the three organisations to work collaboratively on shared priorities, creating opportunities to develop local career pathways into health and social care, enhance learning and professional development, and ensure education and training reflect the needs of the local workforce.

The partnership will also explore opportunities for joint research, innovation and service development, with areas of interest including prevention and early intervention, health inequalities, integrated care, digital technology, dementia and ageing well – key strengths of the organisations.

Through closer collaboration between education and health and social care services, the partners aim to build skills and capacity within the local workforce, support inclusive opportunities for learners and communities, and contribute to the delivery of sustainable, person-centred services.

By bringing together their respective expertise and experience, the organisations will seek to deliver positive, lasting benefits for the people and communities they serve.

As an anchor institution, UWS has an important role to play in advancing our place-making agenda, working alongside partners to develop local talent, address health inequalities and create pathways into meaningful careers.

Professor James Miller, UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Our strategic partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving health and wellbeing, creating opportunities for local people and strengthening the communities we serve.

"As an anchor institution, UWS has an important role to play in advancing our place-making agenda, working alongside partners to develop local talent, address health inequalities and create pathways into meaningful careers.”

Anne Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of WCS, said: “West College Scotland is proud to be part of this important partnership, which brings together education and health and social care to make a real difference to the communities we serve.

Ultimately, this partnership is about investing in people, strengthening our communities and helping to deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for the people of Renfrewshire.

Anne Campbell, WCS Principal and Chief Executive

"As a College, we have a vital role to play in developing the skilled, compassionate workforce needed to meet the evolving demands of the health and social care sector. By working more closely with our partners, we can create clearer pathways into education and employment, open up opportunities for people at every stage of their careers, and ensure our training responds directly to the needs of local employers.

"Ultimately, this partnership is about investing in people, strengthening our communities and helping to deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for the people of Renfrewshire.”

This agreement is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to improve outcomes for local people.

Frances Burns, RHSCP Head of Strategic Planning and Health Improvement

Frances Burns, Head of Strategic Planning and Health Improvement at RHSCP, said: “This agreement is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to improve outcomes for local people. We’re excited about the opportunities it presents to strengthen the health and social care workforce of the future, support staff to develop the skills needed to respond to a changing sector, building the evidence base for prevention and early intervention.

"By working in partnership with UWS and West College Scotland, we hope to develop a strong pipeline of future talent and support innovation across health and social care in Renfrewshire.”