The launch took place on Monday at Derby College Group’s historic Roundhouse campus, marking a pivotal moment for the East Midlands.
The report sets out a bold and collaborative vision to improve lives, careers, and communities across the region.
Focusing on skills, health, housing, and transport, the plan highlights the East Midlands’ unique opportunity to become a national leader in inclusive growth.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:
“The East Midlands is a region of huge pride and ambition. We’ve always been a place that builds, creates and leads, from our world-class manufacturers to our thriving new industries in green energy, life sciences and the creative economy.
“However, too often the opportunities our people deserve aren’t spread fairly. That’s why I asked the Inclusive Growth Commission to look hard at the barriers and the solutions.
“The Commission’s final report makes clear the challenge is not aspiration as we have that in abundance, but the pathways that turn ambition into achievement.
“Too many young people face broken steps on the journey to a secure job, a decent home or affordable transport.”
The plan introduces the UK’s first “Opportunity Escalator”, setting out clear and practical pathways to help people progress in work and life.
It also proposes the country’s first regional plan to strengthen social connections, ensuring growth benefits communities as much as the economy.
Mayor Ward added:
“This is a call to action for all of us, government, business, communities, to invest in our people and places. As Mayor, I am determined to lead that change.
“Together we must remove the barriers that hold people back, and make sure the East Midlands is a region where every young person has the chance not just to dream, but to thrive.”
Derby College Group (DCG) was proud to host this historic event – and even prouder to see its own second-year A Level Politics students from the Joseph Wright Campus play an active role in the day.
Students Jessica, Fin, Ethan, Eleanor, Natasha, Oliver G, Sebastian, Leighton, Oliver R, Armaan, Ahab, Dora, and Harrison attended the launch as part of their AQA Politics programme.
Having completed their first year studying British Government, this experience provides a dynamic bridge into their second year on US Government.
The students’ involvement brought to life the very essence of the Commission’s work: connecting ambition with opportunity.
Many of them are already engaged in youth political representation and local pressure groups, demonstrating how today’s learners are also tomorrow’s leaders.
Hosting the event reflects DCG’s commitment to not only delivering academic excellence but also ensuring its students are directly involved in shaping the region’s future.
During the event, Mandie Stravino OBE, Chief Executive of Derby College Group, set out the wider context of the College’s role in the East Midlands.
She highlighted that DCG invests around £68 million of public money each year to improve the life chances and employment prospects of over 13,500 local residents.
Mandie Stravino OBE spoke of the alignment between DCG’s mission and the Inclusive Growth Commission’s vision:
“We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, and the RSA to the Roundhouse for this landmark launch.
“Having our students take part in such an important occasion shows them first-hand how policy, politics, and partnerships shape our communities.
“At DCG, we are passionate about creating life-changing opportunities for young people.
“The Inclusive Growth Commission’s focus on skills, health, and community aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students not just for work, but for active citizenship.
“This is an inspiring step forward for our region, and we are proud to play our part.”
The event emphasised Derby College Group’s role as a hub where education, industry, and community come together to build a stronger, fairer, and more ambitious East Midlands.
