The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Group and Carmarthenshire County Council have signed an agreement to work together to benefit the county and its communities.

In what is considered a novel approach to partnership working with the public sector, the pledge contains specific actions to be undertaken by both organisations.

The university has signed similar pledges with the Ceredigion County Council and the City and Council of Swansea in order to maximise its impact on the region as part of its strategic aim of collaborating with key partners at regional, national and international levels.

“The university’s pledge to each of the local authorities in which its campuses are located signals a new way of collaborative working to benefit the region” said the Venerable Randolph Thomas, Chair of UWTSD.

“We are committed to those communities and want to ensure that UWTSD contributes to their well-being by using our resources and talents to serve the public good”.

Councillor Kevin Madge, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council said: “We are delighted to be signing this pledge with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and to be working in partnership with them on a number of key areas that will benefit a range of communities in Carmarthenshire.”

The pledge outlines five key themes - Sustainable Development, Anti-Poverty, Economic and Community Development, Skills and the Labour Market, Enterprise and Innovation and Sport, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor said “The pledge reflects a number of key areas which are priorities for both the council and the university and aims to make a real difference to the lives of people living, working and visiting the area.

“We want to exploit the university’s wealth of experience and expertise in order to stimulate economic growth in the region and explore new opportunities linked to education and training, as well as recreation and tourism.”

Mark James, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council said: “The signing of this pledge shows the importance of collaboration to both the university and the council.

“We already work closely together in many different areas but this is an opportunity for both organisations to work strategically and to enhance our relationship in a way that will be of benefit to the county.”