Key Northamptonshire institutions join forces to tackle inequality

Important institutions in Northamptonshire came together this week to join a growing movement which aims to reduce social and economic inequalities.

Tuesday, 27 June saw the launch of the Northamptonshire Anchor Institutions Network (NAIN) at the University of Northampton (UON) when 23 public, private and third-sector organisations signed a pledge to seek best practice, measure impact and hold each other to account as they work towards the following priorities:

• Empowering the next generation
• Employment opportunities
• Social value gained from local investment
• Enhancing sustainability

Shân Wareing, UON’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “It was really exciting to see the Northamptonshire Anchor Institution network coming to life, and the commitment from organisations throughout the county to working together to make Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and study.

“The University of Northampton has such an important role both as an anchor institution in the county ourselves, and also through our mission for education, research and enterprise to support the work of all our Northamptonshire partners whether in governance, industry, public sector or charitable organisations.

“The energy and excitement in the room were obvious and it feels like the start of something great.”

NAIN members include: West Northants Council, North Northants Council, Northants Children’s Trust, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital, Northants Healthcare Foundation Trust, Northants Integrated Care Board, St Andrews Healthcare, Police, Fire, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, UON, Northampton College, Tresham College, Moulton College, Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, NNBN, Barclays, Northamptonshire Chamber, Northants County Association of Local Councils, Saints Foundation, and Northampton Town Football Club Community.

NAIN members will meet regularly in person to discuss and set out actions to address their agreed priorities and will share their progress.

For more information or to express an interest in joining the network, contact Helen Miller at business_support@northampton.ac.uk.