Universities play a crucial role in their local areas, outside their primary function of providing degree-level education for their students. The best, purpose-led universities also improve standards in schools and drive economic growth in their communities.

This week I was delighted to welcome Labour’s Shadow Minister for Business and Industry, Bill Esterson MP, to a Purpose Coalition roundtable with senior representatives from leading business members of the Coalition, including Travelodge’s Chief People Officer Hannah Thompson, UK Power Networks’ Director of HR Andrew Pace, and Head of Government Relations at Pearson Education Daniel Pedley.

The University of Chester has formally launched its Levelling Up Impact Report to senior academics, policy makers, plus local government officials and business leaders at the law school’s new base in the Wheeler Building.

Matthew McPherson reviews what might come from a Labour reshuffle, and sets out why Keir Starmer needs a punchier front bench with ‘more Wes Streeting’s’ to take his message to the country.

As prime minister, Rishi Sunak has had some success in steadying the ship after the disastrous mini-budget of his predecessor, Liz Truss. But it’s not going to be enough. Running Britain isn’t the same as leading it. And to lead Britain over the next 12 months, the Conservative party will need to win the battle of ideas and set out a compelling vision of how to deliver them.

There has been much commentary, and some wringing of hands, this week on Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that the Labour Party would be dropping its plans to scrap tuition fees in the light of the country’s changed economic circumstances.

Senior Treasury Minister and Member of Parliament for Louth and Horncastle, Victoria Atkins MP has joined Purpose Coalition leaders Tony Simpson of Sodexo, Lynda McVay of Leonardo and Sandhya Sabapathy of The Adecco Group for a panel discussion with Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition

The Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression at the Department for Work and Pensions, Mims Davies MP, has today joined leading Purpose Coalition Members including Sodexo, the University of Southampton, Rolls Royce and Leonardo for a roundtable to share best private-sector practice with government, and discuss youth hubs, improving opportunities for those with key skills, prison leavers and more.

A new campaign was launched today that will shine a spotlight on the vital role universities play in improving standards in schools and driving economic growth in their local areas.

One of the best parts of campaigning with the Purpose Coalition on social mobility is the young people I get to meet studying at our universities. It’s inspiring to learn about their plans for the future and their hopes and aspirations.

The first three months of the year are all about hitting the ground running. At the Purpose Coalition, we’ve been working hard with our existing and new partners in business, universities, local authorities and the NHS on setting an agenda that will drive social mobility in every part of the country.

Former Education and Skills Ministers call on Chancellor for an ‘Apprenticeship Levy 2.0’ to Level Up Britain

With perfect timing, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the Government has announced the creation of four new government departments, recalibrating its commitment to a programme of growth and technological advance, driven by innovation and research.

A visit to Northumbria University by Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, confirmed its position as a modern university which has embedded quality research at the centre of everything it does, alongside a clear social mobility mission.

Getting a stronger plan in place is crucial for the Prime Minister and it has to be about working with and through local communities.

Staffordshire University were an early signatory to the Social Mobility Pledge and are committed to working with This Is Purpose on a mission to break down the potential barriers to aspiration.

Purpose Coalition businesses, universities and the wider public sector have reacted to the cost of living challenges looking at how they can support their communities, their customers and colleagues internally.

Hosted by the Purpose Coalition and the Adecco Group, one of the world’s biggest recruitment companies, it is the latest in a series of Opportunity Roadshows taking place at universities across the country over the next few months. The events bring together employers and students with the aim of improving their recruitment experience.

Cardiff Met University has launched a new report that sets out its social impact on its communities, staff and students.

Rt Hon Justine Greening visited the University of Bolton’s National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) and the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, to see for herself how students are learning practically, preparing them for the world of work.