Our community

Being a 'force for good' in the community has always been part of the Partnership's vision and our Partners offer their time to support local, regional and national initiatives that help to build more vibrant, economically sustainable communities.
Carol McDermott, Waitrose, Golden Jubilee Trust Secondee
Carol McDermott, Waitrose, Golden Jubilee Trust Secondee

Our approach involves:

  • devoting time to community initiatives and building
    community relationships
  • volunteering, fundraising and donating to charity
  • continuing our Golden Jubilee Trust secondment scheme
  • engaging with communities where new shops are
    being built to ensure integration
  • offering sustainable employment opportunities in
    town centres.


We like to get practically involved at a local level. The Partnership encourages close links between Partners, schools, institutions, charities and local authorities. We recognise that the benefits are mutual: Partners are proud of helping to improve and support local communities, and community work also helps them to develop their own skills and experience.

Since 2010, we have been working to develop a clearer Partnership-wide strategy to define a vision for what community means. In an increasingly diversified Partnership, this will provide a strategic direction for all our community activity, maximise our positive impacts and engage our Partners both individually and collectively.

'My secondment was the best thing I've ever done. I feel I have helped the charity and given something back to my local community, but it also gave me an opportunity to appreciate the skills I have and to learn new ones.'

Carol McDermott, Assistant Project Manager and Golden Jubilee Trust Secondee with Age UK