WSP has committed to play a key role in levelling up the UK by partnering with the Purpose Coalition on the development of a set of levelling up goals.

The levelling up goals, established this year by former education secretary Justine Greening with input from businesses, universities and policymakers, offer a 14-part architecture designed to tackle the challenges facing the UK post Covid-19. The 14 goals range from goal 1: Strong Foundations in Early Years; to goal 14: Equality through Diversity and Inclusion.

The objective is to unite businesses, civil society and policymakers in levelling up the nation with a clear set of objectives to address. The coalition says the ultimate aim is to drive equality of opportunity in the UK at key life stages, from early years through to adulthood alongside addressing other barriers such as access to healthcare and fair career progression.

The goals are supported by some of the UK’s most purpose-led businesses, universities and public sector organisations, such as Amazon, bp, Direct Line Group, BBC, Compass Group, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester United Foundation, University of Bradford and many others.

WSP has a vast footprint in the UK, supporting significant projects in both the built and natural environments. Its key clients include national government and its agencies, combined and local authorities, major transport operators and infrastructure and housing developers.

As part of its work on the levelling up goals, WSP will be working on its Levelling Up Impact Report, setting out its own contribution to the levelling up agenda in the UK.

Paul Tremble, chief strategy officer at WSP, said: “As a major employer and investor in all regions of the UK, WSP is committed to regional equality, prosperity and growth. Committing to the Purpose Coalition’s levelling up goals aligns with this commitment and our intention to support a fair and just transition across the UK to a net zero economy. We’re delighted to be a part this initiative and join the many other purpose-led businesses who are taking a lead on shaping the UK’s vision on levelling up, delivering real change to communities across the country.”

Justine Greening said: “The levelling up goals give a clear architecture for purpose-led organisations to measure and articulate their purpose and impact. The challenge now is for businesses to recognise the wider role that they have to play in society and creating equality of opportunity as we recover from the pandemic. It is great to have WSP make their commitment to levelling up by joining our coalition of purpose-led businesses and really taking a lead on and shaping what levelling up really means through bringing global expertise to local communities and delivering meaningful, long lasting impact."