Bedford Borough Council has announced two major partnership initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities, education, health and cultural development across the borough.
The council has agreed to join a five-year Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) scheme to help economically inactive residents find work, while also approving a new civic agreement with the University of Bedfordshire to support long-term growth and wellbeing.
£2.4 million to get Bedfordians into work
Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) approved the decision this week (15 October) for Bedford Borough Council to join the DWP’s Connect to Work programme – a new, five-year initiative under the Government’s Get Britain Working Strategy.
The voluntary scheme will be delivered in partnership with West Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and North Northamptonshire councils, with West Northamptonshire acting as the lead authority.
Connect to Work will link employment, health and skills support across England and Wales, focusing on residents with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers to employment.
The programme is fully funded by the DWP, with Bedford allocated £2.4 million over the delivery period. Locally, it will be delivered through the council’s Jobs Hub service, which already supports residents with training, CV advice and job placements.
The decision was published on 16 October and, if not called in for scrutiny, can be implemented from 24 October 2025.
New civic agreement
At the same meeting, the council’s Executive also approved a new civic agreement with the University of Bedfordshire titled Harnessing Culture, Growth and Opportunity.
The agreement formalises the ongoing collaboration between the council and university and commits both organisations to work more strategically on shared priorities – including raising attainment, tackling health inequalities and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams), said the agreement would strengthen partnership work already taking place, without additional cost to taxpayers.
Chief Executive Laura Church has been delegated to sign on the council’s behalf.
Four key priorities
The civic agreement focuses on four themes:
- Raising educational attainment and skills – improving progression routes and aligning education with local workforce needs
- Growing a culture of opportunity – strengthening Bedford’s cultural sector and supporting local businesses
- Securing inclusive growth – ensuring major developments such as East West Rail and Universal Studios benefit all residents
- Living better and longer – improving health outcomes through research, prevention and community-based initiatives
A joint governance board, chaired by the council’s Chief Executive and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, will oversee delivery, with an annual public report to track progress.
The agreement draws on evidence from university research, council data, cultural partnerships, employers and national agencies. While not legally binding, it aims to provide a clearer structure and shared governance for joint work across education, culture, growth and health.
It’s hoped the two initiatives will support a broader effort to strengthen local partnerships that improve opportunities and resilience across the community.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
