With greater collaboration, time, flexibility, and finance, regional anchor institutions could deliver growth across local places – and boost UK plc, says Jacob Coburn

Knowledge Exchange Manager, Institute for Community Studies The focus of my role is in supporting anchor institutions to develop deeper more integrated relationships, aimed at enabling greater knowledge-sharing and strategic thinking. An example of this work is the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA), where I work with ICS colleagues and Partner organisations to build bridges between universities, policymakers, and other key stakeholders. Building on and developing ideas, research evidence, experience and skills in ways that are beneficial to all parties. With a specific focus on mobilising evidence about how universities and other anchor institutions are acting as agents of place-based change through their civic missions. My role also has a wider focus on horizon scanning and business development of new opportunities to improve social, economic and environmental outcomes for local communities. Net zero skills lead, Climate Change Committee Support the development of the climate change committees Workers and skills report. Provide policy analysis input into an analytical report assessing the impacts of Net Zero on workers. Project management of the Advisory Group Chair’s report, including providing timely and quality policy analysis, managing advisory group members, stakeholders, briefing committee members and senior managers. Synthetise evidence on the current education/skills landscape as well as reviewing existing and proposed skills/education policies in relevant sectors in the UK, developed administrations and local areas. Develop policy recommendations to Government to deliver skills policy for Net Zero. Develop an approach to track progress on skills for delivering Net Zero for the climate change committees 2023 progress report. Support the development of the climate change committees Workers and skills report. Provide policy analysis input into an analytical report assessing the impacts of Net Zero on workers. Project management of the Advisory Group Chair’s report, including providing timely and quality policy analysis, managing advisory group members, stakeholders, briefing committee members and senior managers. Synthetise evidence on the current education/skills landscape as well as reviewing existing and proposed skills/education policies in relevant sectors in the UK, developed administrations and local areas. Develop policy recommendations to Government to deliver skills policy for Net Zero. Develop an approach to track progress on skills for delivering Net Zero for the climate change committees 2023 progress report. Climate Change Adviser/Skills, Local Government Association Supporting the Heads of Policy, Principal Advisers and Senior Advisers to ensure relevant Programme Boards function effectively and that Members are supported to provide political oversight of LGA activity and to advocate inside and outside the sector. Undertake horizon scanning and intelligence gathering to inform future agendas. Undertake research to establish a strong evidence base that informs and influences the policy and improvement agenda. Prepare reports, policy papers and briefings for senior managers and LGA group Members on sensitive and complex issues relating to the LGA’s position on policy issues. Contribute to publicity and marketing materials for the LGA. Work with the Events team to develop and manage events that shape policy agendas and forward lobbying aims on behalf of the LGA. Maintain an up to date understanding of the performance challenges facing councils collectively, working with colleagues across the Group to contribute to shaping and delivering appropriate improvement and support activities. Contribute to the development of lobbying positions and improvement strategies within assigned areas of work. Accompany Heads of Policy, Principal Advisers and Senior Advisers at meetings to represent the LGA with local government Members, government officials, Ministers, Parliamentarians and other interested parties at national level (and European as necessary). Senior Economic Development Officer, Devon County Council Managing a team of economic development officers, delivering a portfolio of economic development projects, from a combination of UK Government and County Council funding, aimed at enabling the council and the Hearts of the South West LEP to deliver on its strategic economic aims. A specific focus on developing the Councils Net Zero and Green and Blue economy strategy, by building key relationships with stakeholders and partners focused on maximising opportunities for the region. This includes developing tenders and projects from regional and national funding opportunities.