WM Sustainable Development Framework
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22nd March 2005
The Regional Sustainable Development Framework
A Sustainable Future for the West Midlands
January 2005
Introduction
The new Regional Sustainable Development Framework (RSDF) for the West Midlands was launched on 27th January. It builds on the foundations laid down in the first West Midlands Sustainability Strategy "Quality of Life - the future starts here" published at the start of 2000.
The Framework has been prepared on behalf of West Midlands Regional Assembly by Sustainability West Midlands (SWM), the Region's independent champion of, and the Assembly's advisory partnership on, Sustainable Development.
The document has been produced in response to the Government's request that each of the English regions produce an RSDF to provide a point of reference for regional activity on sustainable development. More specifically, the aim of this Framework is to assist authors and owners of the Region's strategies, policies, plans and projects in ensuring that their work is part of the wider context of delivering a more sustainable West Midlands.
Who is it for?
The Framework is designed with four important user groups in mind:
- Key delivery agents in the Public Sector, such as Local Authorities and the Regional Assembly's Policy Partnerships eg Advantage West Midlands
- Important bodies who have a key role in the delivery of a more sustainable Region, such as businesses and voluntary organisations based in the West Midlands, as well as SWM members
- Regional Concordat Partners and
- Regeneration Zone Partners
Structure
The Framework is split into two sections:
- Section One explains what Sustainable Development is and why it is important for the Region. It also sets out the Region's Sustainable Development Vision, Principles and Objectives
- Section Two provides a process for ensuring that the Region's Sustainable Development objectives are effectively incorporated into key policies, plans and projects
This Framework has been produced as 'Version One'. Stakeholders in all sectors are being encouraged to utilise the Framework and then provide feedback to its authors. The Regional Assembly will then publish a fine-tuned 'Version Two' later in 2005. This will also include any new guidance set out in the new UK Sustainable Development Strategy, which will be launched on March 7th.
Achieving Sustainable Development
The new RSDF takes forward the process of embedding Sustainable Development in the activities of the Region. It has the backing of key organisations, many of which were represented at the recent launch.
Introducing the launch event, Chair of the Regional Assembly, Mr Bransby Thomas emphasised how this Framework "will make a difference to the way policy is delivered" and Chief Executive of AWM, Mr John Edwards, reiterated that "Sustainable Development is vital and should not be viewed as a threat". Mr Edwards went on to explain that the West Midlands Economic Strategy, updated last year, had been "Sustainable Development appraised" and that Sustainable Development is one of three key principles underpinning everything that will be done through it. He stressed that, "This year is about how we make Sustainable Development work in practice ... it is a year about delivery". Representing Government Office, Mr Chris Marsh pointed out that the Regional Sustainable Development Framework would sit alongside other key strategies, namely the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Regional Economic Strategy and that now the Region was moving from simply setting targets to ensuring they are delivered. With the authority and support of this Framework 'Sustainable Development proofing' will be carried out in the formative stages of Regional policy development and should ensure that sustainable development is mainstreamed and prioritised.
Further Information
For further details or to view a copy of the Regional Sustainable Development Framework please contact John Sharpe, Director of Sustainability West Midlands, jsharpe@swm.org.uk, tel 0121 245 0145
Contact Officer: Karen Davies, Local Agenda 21 Co-ordinator, ext 408 kdavies@staffordbc.gov.uk