Universities can make a difference across the Thames Valley

Universities across the Thames Valley have welcomed plans for a new Mayoral Strategic Authority, saying that working together can help create better jobs, drive innovation and deliver sustainable growth for communities across the region.

The University of Reading, University of the Built Environment and Oxford Brookes University have backed plans for the new Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The proposed authority would bring together Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, with new powers and funding covering areas including transport, infrastructure, housing and investment. A mayoral election could take place as soon as 2028.

The three universities say closer collaboration between higher education, local government and business would help ensure devolution delivers tangible benefits for people and businesses across the Thames Valley.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:

“This is a moment of real opportunity for the Thames Valley, and universities must be at the heart of it. A mayor with genuine powers and funding needs partners who understand this region and are already delivering for it. That is exactly what we offer.

“At the University of Reading, our impact stretches well beyond our campuses.

Our graduates are the leaders and managers that businesses across the region depend on. We provide the space for businesses and world class institutions to innovate, create jobs and export. Our researchers work with local people to apply their research and find solutions to the big issues we face.

“Together, our universities educate tens of thousands of students and work with employers of every size. We will bring that expertise to the new authority from day one, and we will make sure devolution delivers good jobs, a skilled workforce and a stronger regional economy for everyone who lives and works here.”

Professor Helen Laville, Vice-Chancellor, Oxford Brookes University, said:

“Universities have a strong history of bringing together students, staff, researchers, businesses and civic leaders to develop new ideas. We are proud to have campuses in Oxford and Swindon and by joining forces across the Thames Valley, we can bring an even greater range of knowledge, expertise and connections to the table.

“A new regional authority gives us an opportunity to work together in a more coordinated way, helping turn promising ideas into practical action that benefits communities throughout the region and beyond.”

Jane Fawkes, Interim Vice Chancellor, University of the Built Environment, said:

“Good growth is about more than making the economy bigger. It means creating successful places where people want to live and work, with opportunities that can be shared across our communities.

“At the University of the Built Environment, we already work closely with industry to help develop the skilled workforce needed to deliver new homes and infrastructure through education and apprenticeships.”

“By combining our strengths and working together, we can help address regional skills gaps, drive innovation and build a more sustainable economy for the future.”

The universities said they looked forward to working together, and with local authorities, businesses and community partners, as plans for the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority develop.