The East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission is tasked with recommending an ambitious, long term and evidence-based plan to unleash potential and deliver prosperity for communities across the region.

The commission, chaired by RSA CEO Andy Haldane, will act as a critical friend to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), offering solutions to address persistent inequalities for communities in the region and routes to greater opportunity.

The commission’s recommendations will inform future investment proposals for up to £4bn of public investment, shaping EMCCA’s Inclusive Growth Strategy for the East Midlands.

Guiding principles of the commission

The commission will explore solutions that offer a long-term plan for people who live, work and study in the region- equipping them with the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Recommendations will also be rooted in our unique Prosperous Places model, which combines economic, social and natural factors to provide long-term ideas for growth rooted in cutting-edge evidence, community insights and conversations with local leaders.

The commission has been set four ‘exam questions’ by the Mayor of the East Midlands:

• What does inclusive growth mean for the region? What will communities feel is different in ten years from a successful inclusive growth strategy?
• What are the region’s unique combination of strengths? How can it best leverage its economic assets across cities, towns and rural areas to growth these?
• What are the root causes that sit behind the region’s well-established challenges in achieving inclusive growth? How can the region tackle these challenges to enable its full potential to be unleashed?
• What role can EMCCA play to effect change, alone and with its partners, including as part of the systems of public services?

The commission’s findings and strategy will be developed in close collaboration with councils, businesses, colleges, universities and trade unions across the region.

Inclusive growth: forthcoming research and collaborative opportunities

The commission will unveil a first interim report in March 2025, setting out the current picture of the East Midlands’ strengths, challenges and opportunities, and this will be followed by the full report in Autumn 2025 which will set out a vision and roadmap for the next decade.

Guided by the commissioners, activities will include regular interface with local place leaders, direct engagement with communities and subject matter experts, and desk-based research. The team will also be drawing on the expertise of our fellowship (see our dedicated Circle space for more information).

Our commissioners for inclusive growth

Andy Haldane, CEO of the RSA, will co-chair the commission.

Andy will convene seven expert commissioners from the East Midlands and beyond.

Commissioners come from a wide range of backgrounds, including business, civil society, and local government, and they provide specialist input and oversight.