University and UK Cabinet Office sign landmark Strategic Partnership Agreement

The University of Glasgow has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Cabinet Office, formalising an ambitious collaboration that will strengthen policy engagement, support skills development and create impact within the greater Glasgow community.

The agreement will identify opportunities for co-operation and close working between the two parties, including to support the development of future talent pipelines in Scotland.

The partnership builds on four years of collaboration between the University and the Cabinet Office Second Headquarters in Glasgow. This partnership will support wider Places for Growth ambitions to increase connection to local communities, grow senior leaders outside of London and attract new and diverse talent to the Civil Service.

Building on this strong foundation, significant progress has already been made across four thematic pillars. This includes codesigned leadership programmes delivered through the University’s Centre for Public Policy, enhanced engagement on areas such as quantum technologies and artificial intelligence and the successful growth of civil service careers fairs and Cabinet Office Conversations events, each of which has attracted high levels of student participation.

Professor Andy Schofield, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “We are delighted to sign this Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Cabinet Office, building on several years of collaboration to create new opportunities for our students and staff, as well as the wider community around Glasgow.

"Universities like Glasgow play a critical role in driving forward knowledge, innovation and talent. At a time when the demands on public services continue to grow, it's vital that higher education and government work together to strengthen skills, develop future leaders and ensure the benefits of research and teaching are maximised."

Vincent Devine, Senior Sponsor for the Cabinet Office in Scotland and Government Chief Security Officer, said: "This partnership is an exciting next chapter in our collaboration with the University of Glasgow.

"By formalising this relationship, we are not just creating a framework for collaboration, we are opening new doors for our staff to develop their careers, gain access to world-leading expertise and ensure that the Civil Service is deeply rooted in the communities we serve.”

Title image: Strategic Partnership Agreement signing: pictured, left to right from the back, Siobhan Reilley, Head of Strategic Engagement, Cabinet Office Second Headquarters; Rachel Sandison, Vice Principal (External Relations) and Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement); Matthew Allan, Deputy Director, Government Security Centres and Assurance and Deputy SRO, Cabinet Office Second Headquarters; Uzma Khan, Vice Principal for Economic Development and Innovation and Deputy Chief Operating Officer; (front row) Vincent Devine, Senior Sponsor for the Cabinet Office in Scotland and Government Chief Security Officer, and Professor Andy Schofield, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.

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