This area has many connections beyond the UK through business, education. travel, technology, history and culture. Several leading international companies are based in south Gloucestershire. Policies and legislation from the European Commission and other international institutions affect us more and more. South Gloucestershire Council wants to be a modern forward looking Council and help this area make the most of European and International connections, and to work with organisations abroad ourselves.
In October 1998, the Council adopted
a European and International Policy which set out how we will do this.
Basic Beliefs
The Council believes in promoting international
understanding and co-operation, and generating positive involvement in
the world community.
The Council celebrates diverse cultures
recognises the interdependence of all peoples and aims to overcome traditional
racial and national prejudices and hostilities.
Local workforce's should have appropriate
skills for the way the local economy is developing, and we should assist
companies to compete successfully in international markets. At the same
time, development should be sustainable and infrastructure appropriate.
What the Strategy Will do
The strategy has 3 themes
1 Education, Training Lifelong Learning
Action will complement efforts to protect jobs in South Gloucestershire, improve the employability of disadvantaged groups, especially those who face discrimination, and educate a future workforce with appropriate skills for the local economy which is increasingly multi-national. It will also support educational efforts in environmental and cultural awareness.
2 Sustainability (Natural and Physical
Environment and Economic development)
The Council is firmly committed to
the principle of sustainable development: that is meeting social and economic
needs without damaging the environment or harming wildlife.
Environmental and economic sustainability
attractive environments are linked because attractive environments encourage
investment. Economic development needs to respect the environment and take
into account other elements of sustainability. These include business activities
which meet social as well as economic needs, and increase employment opportunities
for local people.
Good public transport for getting
to work as well as for shopping and pleasure is central to the development
of a sustainable South Gloucestershire.
Contracts in other countries can also
help develop tourism in South Gloucestershire.
3 Cultural Identity, Celebrating Diversity, Equalities
Cultural exchange helps create a vision of South Gloucestershire as a vibrant, diverse and outwardly looking area. It enriches the quality of local life and its economy through understanding of cultures including their business methods. International exchanges can strengthen local identity and help overcome any fear that European unity means a reduction of it.
Global inter-cultural understanding
can contribute to improved North/South relations and help overcome racism,
which in turn makes for a more harmonious South Gloucestershire for all
its residents.
What the Council will do
The Council will endeavour to keep in touch with European and international developments which affect this area, and try to influence policy affecting us. We will participate in cross-border programmes to learn from best practice in other countries. and promote South Gloucestershire in fields it excels in or is unique in.
On its own, South Gloucestershire Council has only limited effect on European and international affairs, but in partnership with other organisations such as the West of England in Europe initiative, which runs the region's office in Brussels, it can have greater influence.
Many other groups in South Gloucestershire share the Council's aspirations and are already at work on aspects of the strategy. Wherever possible, the Council will co-operate with them on specific projects. The Council will also develop contacts with local areas in other countries which share our interests and concerns.
Further Information
The strategy is very broad and takes a long term view of development. We will focus on just a few action projects each year.
If you would like to see the full document, it is available in libraries and main Council offices. along with action for the current year.
If you would like your own copy please contact the administration Unit in the Chief Executive's Department on 01454 863853
For any other enquiries about the Council's international work please contact:
Paula MacLachlan
Policy Officer
(European & International Links)
South Gloucestershire Council
Castle Street
Thornhury
South Gloucestershire BS35 1HF
Tel: (01454) 863864
Fax: (01454) 863855
E-mail: paula_maclachlan@southglos.gov.uk
