Developing an integrated Anchor System

Abstract

This paper explains how Leeds, England, developed an anchor system to support inclusive economic growth, and how Leeds Beckett University is managing the process of aligning its strategy and goals to those of the new network. The paper has three sections: The genesis of the Leeds network or ‘system’ which is now five years old – explaining its context, development and associated governance between 2017 and 2023. It explains how the Leeds system was developed as a mechanism to promote inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and better health outcomes for the city, which existing models the Leeds system draws from, and the practical steps taken to define membership of the network and conduct of its business. The 5 core themes are civic commitment by leaders, inclusive employment practice, local purchasing, environmental improvements, and service delivery. How Leeds Beckett University developed and embedded its role as a founder member of the Leeds network, determined how best to frame its Anchor contribution, animate Anchor programmes, and specifically, to develop a model of service learning. It explains the governance structures the university adopted to manage its contribution, and specifically the challenges of creating greater impact from service learning. The authors share the LBU model of service learning. A discussion of learning points from our work to date. These include levels of personal and strategic commitment and resourcing required, the development of trust among diverse organisations, building an inclusive model of engagement which retains a practical focus, and the challenge of adapting organisational culture to shared multi organisational goals.