Economic development, skills development and improving educational outcomes across Renfrewshire are at the heart of a new strategic partnership between University of the West of Scotland, West College Scotland and Renfrewshire Council.

Bringing together the strengths and expertise of the three organisations, the partnership will focus on addressing current and future workforce needs, supporting local employers and creating clearer pathways for people progressing from school to college, university and into employment.

The agreement establishes a shared commitment to work together to develop a vibrant and sustainable tertiary education landscape, ensuring better connections between education and employment, with the aim to improve social and economic outcomes for people and communities across the region.

A key priority will be developing a more integrated approach to regional skills planning, ensuring education and training opportunities respond to the needs of Renfrewshire's economy and its employers. The partnership will also support the continued economic, physical and social development of Paisley town centre, recognising its importance as a campus location for UWS and WCS, as well as a place of work, study and community activity.

Through closer collaboration, the three organisations will explore opportunities to coordinate facilities, services and resources, engage more effectively with regional stakeholders and major employers, and strengthen support for students and local citizens. They will also work to better understand the impact of population change in Renfrewshire, including the contribution of the international student population, and identify opportunities to enhance the region's response.

The agreement reflects a shared ambition to make the most of the complementary roles of higher education, further education and local government in supporting Renfrewshire's long-term prosperity.

Professor James Miller, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS said: “As a place maker and an anchor institution in Renfrewshire, UWS is committed to supporting the region’s future, and this collaboration will help us build on our shared ambition to create a more skilled, inclusive and sustainable future for local people and businesses. This strategic partnership represents an important opportunity to bring together the strengths of all three organisations to deliver real benefits for our communities. By working even more closely together, we can better align education and skills provision with the needs of employers and the regional economy, while creating clearer pathways for people to progress through education and into fulfilling careers.”

This strategic partnership represents an important opportunity to bring together the strengths of all three organisations to deliver real benefits for our communities. By working even more closely together, we can better align education and skills provision with the needs of employers and the regional economy, while creating clearer pathways for people to progress through education and into fulfilling careers.

Professor James Miller, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS

Anne Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland, said: “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the connections between education, industry and our local communities, ensuring that people across Renfrewshire have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. At West College Scotland, we are committed to delivering education and training that changes lives, supports businesses and contributes to a thriving local economy. By working more closely with UWS and Renfrewshire Council, we can create clearer pathways from school into further and higher education and employment, while ensuring our provision continues to evolve in response to the needs of local employers. Together, we have a real opportunity to build on Renfrewshire’s strengths, unlock potential and help shape a more prosperous and inclusive future for the region.”

By working more closely with UWS and Renfrewshire Council, we can create clearer pathways from school into further and higher education and employment, while ensuring our provision continues to evolve in response to the needs of local employers. Together, we have a real opportunity to build on Renfrewshire’s strengths, unlock potential and help shape a more prosperous and inclusive future for the region.

Anne Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland

Alan Russell, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council, said: “This partnership provides an important opportunity for Renfrewshire Council, the University of the West of Scotland and West College Scotland to build on our existing relationships, agree shared priorities and work together to make a meaningful difference to communities across Renfrewshire. As three key anchor institutions, we have a real opportunity to maximise the significant opportunities ahead and deliver lasting benefits for the area. Success will be about working collectively to turn those opportunities into positive outcomes for our communities.”

As three key anchor institutions, we have a real opportunity to maximise the significant opportunities ahead and deliver lasting benefits for the area. Success will be about working collectively to turn those opportunities into positive outcomes for our communities.

Alan Russell, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council