West Midlands Combined Authority

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It’s been a whole year since University Station had its grand reopening… Over 3 million passengers have passed through since 🥳

🌟 On National Clean Air Night and one year on from adopting the WMCA Air Quality Framework, we’re already seeing positive results in our journey to cleaner air in the West Midlands. Here’s what we’ve delivered so far: 🌐 Installed 90 air quality sensors across the region 🌱 Delivered seven behaviour change trials 🎨 Engaged with community groups to create thought-provoking artwork that highlights air pollution’s impact on health But we’re not stopping there! What’s next? 📚 School engagement programmes to protect children and teachers 📲 A new air quality alert system to help reduce exposure during high-pollution events People like Charlotte Gough are helping us make strides towards cleaner, healthier air for everyone in the West Midlands.

🗳️ Nominations are open for our Adult Learning Awards 2025. Since 2023, we have been recognising individuals and organisations in the West Midlands who have gone above and beyond in adult learning, skills and training. ▪️Has someone inspired you to get into learning? ▪️Is there an organisation that has been particularly supportive? ▪️Has your employer helped you to achieve your career potential? ▪️Do you know someone who has achieved something amazing by learning as an adult? The deadline for entries is 5 March - with 10 awards in total up for grabs.

🚨 We're pleased to share that applications for the West Midlands IP Fund: Narrative are open 🎬 🎞️ This is a new project funding opportunity for narrative scripted and unscripted screen projects in the region. 👉 Project funding of up to £20,000. 👉 Available for scripted and non-scripted narrative projects for film, TV and animation. 👉 Applicants must be SMEs based in the West Midlands Combined Authority region Learn more and apply ➡️ https://bit.ly/4alQr7n

🤔 The former chief executive of Marks and Spencer Lord Rose has told BBC Panorama working from home is ‘not proper work’. Stuart Rose said: "We have regressed in this country in terms of working practices, productivity and in terms of the country’s wellbeing, I think, by 20 years in the last four."

We recently caught up with a group of volunteers in Walsall who are working hard for the Canal & River Trust to transform our region's iconic canals into stunning nature havens. A £100,000 grant from the WMCA will help fund new wildlife spots and walking routes from Wolverhampton to Walsall.

Busy Thursday at the West Midlands Combined Authority All Staff Conference and Awards 2025, with Mayor Richard Parker symbolising perfectly that “every day you come to work, you are really changing lives.” That is the epitome of why the WMCA and Regional Government, is so important and powerful in transforming the place I and 3 million others call home. I’ve also pulled together a Marketplace table for my team, which highlights what my amazing colleagues and I are doing in serving our part of the world. #WestMidlands #BetterConnected #Conference #Connections

Great kick off to the West Midlands Combined Authority Staff Conference with the secret out that I am now one of 3 hosts comparing today. I join directors Siobhan Bassford and Mark Corbin, seasoned professionals having hosted last year. We should have been joined by a 4th, but unfortunately new colleague, Sarah Lal, Director of People is unwell (get well soon). Exciting day ahead with activities, great speakers and even our Staff Awards this afternoon. Good luck to everyone. 🤞 I hope we can make the day run well. 😊 Image description: Headshot of Mark Fosbrook wearing a head mic behind the stage at ICC. Mark looking smart with his shaved head, glasses, black suit and shirt and pink tie.

Ky Shaw’s life was heading in one direction and that was to prison. The 20-year-old has now turned his life around after securing an apprenticeship while building one of Birmingham’s newest skyscrapers. "I got myself into trouble with the police and that was when I realised this was not the way forward," said Ky, from Dudley. "Securing a plumbing apprenticeship really is a dream for me and I believe that getting on this pathway has kept me out of prison. "In the future I want to upskill further, become a project manager or supervisor and hopefully one day have my own construction business. "The only way is up now." The WMCA awarded £100,000 of its adult skills budget to John Sisk & Son Ltd to run the Skills Centre hub at the Great Charles Street site, offering local people free construction training and a guaranteed job interview at the end of the 20-day course.