West College Scotland (WCS) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have today announced the signing of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement.

The three-year agreement with see both institutions work together to address current and future economic opportunities in Paisley and the wider West of Scotland region by developing and strengthening links between the two organisations.

West College and UWS will cultivate vibrant, sustainable tertiary education provision across the West of Scotland, ensuring regional skills needs are addressed as well as collaboration on education and innovation activities that will grow both institutions.

Both organisations will seek to engage further with key regional stakeholders ─ including Renfrewshire Councill, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Scottish Funding Council, Skills Development Scotland ─ to ensure their collaborative work aligns with ongoing regional development plans.

In addition, the agreement will see both West College and UWS consider joint facilities and service developments as well as collaborating on staff development, learning and delivery. 

Anne Campbell, Principal and CEO of West College Scotland, said: “Our new strategic partnership agreement signals a strong commitment for both institutions to work collaboratively to address current and future economic opportunities in our region.

Our new strategic partnership agreement signals a strong commitment for both institutions to work collaboratively to address current and future economic opportunities in our region.

Anne Campbell, Principal and CEO of West College Scotland

“Together, we aim to create transformative opportunities that meets the needs of our learners, businesses and our communities.”

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “West College and UWS are two of the most important anchor institutions in Paisley, Renfrewshire and the wider West of Scotland region. By working together, we know we can have a greater impact in the communities we serve.

By putting the needs of learners, businesses, and organisations at the heart of our thinking, together we can fulfil our ambition to be highly effective place makers.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland

“By putting the needs of learners, businesses, and organisations at the heart of our thinking, together we can fulfil our ambition to be highly effective place makers.”