Marvin OnumonuPlymouth City Council, Babcock International Group (Babcock), University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust have signed a civic engagement agreement to tackle inequality and improve outcomes for local households.
The agreement sets out areas for joint working, such as workforce development, community well-being, local supply chains, and reducing environmental impacts.
The deal is voluntary and brings the organisations together in a coordinated approach to improve life in the city.
This agreement will run alongside work by Growth Alliance Plymouth, which is a partnership between Plymouth City Council, Babcock International Group and the Royal Navy.
Residents and businesses in Plymouth can expect to see more joined-up approaches, with a focus on inclusive employment, stronger local supply chains, and support for health, education and social infrastructure.
The aim is to make public services work better together for local people.
Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This Agreement gives us clarity of four focus areas for collective action where we can make the biggest difference through our social value action.
“It allows us to better coordinate services and investments that influence community wellbeing, ensuring we act with purpose—and with our partners, act with strength.”
John Gane, managing director for Babcock’s Devonport site, said: “As one of Plymouth’s largest employers supporting over 11% of the city’s workforce—we understand the vital role we play in shaping a thriving, inclusive future for our community.
“At Babcock, we are proud to lead the way in regional skills development, expanding vocational opportunities and opening new career pathways that empower local talent to succeed.
“Our commitment to sustainability and social value is deeply rooted in our support for local communities, charities, and civic initiatives.”
Gane added: “As a key anchor institution in Plymouth, we are already making a meaningful impact, but through this Civic Engagement Agreement, backed by Growth Alliance Plymouth, we have the opportunity to achieve even greater things together.
“This partnership is not just about progress, it’s about creating lasting, transformative change.”
Professor Richard Davies, vice-chancellor of University of Plymouth, said: “Knowledge and skills are vital to unlocking growth, encouraging investment, and helping our city fulfil its enormous potential.
“We believe that universities should serve their communities, and this agreement sets a new standard for civic responsibility in higher education.
“Our University is proud to be helping lead that journey here in Plymouth.”
Sarah Brampton, deputy CEO at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “We know that the health of our population is shaped by social determinants such as income, housing, environment, transport, education and work.
“To really improve people’s health, there needs to be a greater focus on preventing ill health and supporting our communities to be and stay well.
“We know we can achieve more by working together to tackle upstream causes of ill health, rather than just symptoms and coming together in this way, through this agreement, shows our commitment to doing that.”
