University of Hertfordshire and council sign partnership

A FORMAL agreement has been signed to promote the shared interests and activities of the county council and the University of Hertfordshire.

The move will see the two organisations work together in a number of areas, including leisure, economic development and sustainability.

It also seeks to formalise the long tradition of co-operation between the council and the university.

Speaking after the signing, which took place at the university’s College Lane campus in Hatfield, council leader Robert Gordon said: “The county council and the university are two of Hertfordshire’s leading organisations and have been drawn more closely together into informal and supportive joint-working arrangements over the years.

“This has been driven by our shared commitment to Hertfordshire and particularly to the skills of its residents and the strength of its economy.

“This partnership agreement cements our relationship and joint interests into the future.”

Professor Tim Wilson, the university’s vice chancellor, said: “The University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council have a long history of working together and I am delighted this has now been formalised in a partnership agreement.

“Both organisations are committed to improving life in Hertfordshire and this agreement will focus our efforts on key areas of mutual interest, where by working together we can have greater impact.”

The agreement can be viewed in full online at www.hertsdirect.org