STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL
CABINET DECISION
PROFORMA
Cabinet Meeting ........................................................................ 14 November 2024
1. Title of Item/Report
Memorandum of Understanding between Stockton on Tees Borough Council and Teesside University
2. Record of the Decision
Consideration was given to a report that set out a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Stockton on Tees Borough Council and Teesside University. It established a framework for collaboration between the organisations and confirmed a commitment to partnership working.
The MOU built on a strong history of collaboration between the two organisations and reinforced the shared ambitions for the social and economic future of the area.
The MOU marked a new phase in the partnership, cementing shared goals and key areas of activity. It was grounded in organisational objectives and existing partnership commitments, including those set out through the Care and Health Innovation Zone Bard and Place Leadership Board. As such, it also confirmed the shared commitments with partners including the University Hospitals Tees.
The MOU identified a set of shared objectives and underpinning projects or initiatives that would drive shared success. The initial list of activity was not exhaustive, and each Party would identify a single point of contact to ensure that this MOU remained a live document, that delivered meaningful impact.
Central to the shared objectives, was delivering the Vision for a Tees Valley Care and Health Innovation Zone, specifically:
• Developing skills infrastructure and provision that are fit for purpose to support a successful Care and Health sector, and removing barriers to access training
• Ensuring that Innovation, Research & Development drives cutting edge service delivery in Tees Valley, and establishes a regional reputation for excellence
• Reducing Health Inequalities by taking a strength-based approach to working with communities, with a focus on Early Help and Prevention
• Using research, data analysis and intelligence to inform better decision making that delivers meaningful impact.
Following agreement by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet and Teesside University’s Executive, delivery of this MOU would be overseen by the Chief Executive of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the Vice Chancellor of Teesside University.
Quarterly Management meetings would take place to ensure progress and impact with annual reporting of progress and achievements to the Council’s Cabinet and University’s Executive. Governance would also align with, and not duplicate other arrangements, including: Care and Health Innovation Zone Board and Place Leadership Board.
It was recommended that Cabinet approved the MOU to enable formal signature by:
• Leader of Stockton on Tees Borough Council
• Chief Executive of Stockton on Tees Borough Council
• Teesside University Executive.
The MOU would run for 5 years from the date of signature.
RESOLVED that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) attached at Appendix 1 of the report be approved.
3. Reasons for the Decision
Signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Teesside University will reinforce our commitment to joint working. It identifies a set of shared priorities that we will work together to deliver, enabling us to maximise our collective impact to deliver positive outcomes for our communities and our economy.
4. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
None
5. Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest
None
6. Details of any Dispensations
None
7. Date and Time by which Call In must be executed
Midnight Friday 22 November 2024
Proper Officer