Publishing on our website today, a new framework, developed with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), sets out a blueprint for shaping truly inclusive communities. The bold vision and creative approach focuses on participation, collaboration and long-term systems change to improve residents’ quality of life.
A new approach in the West Midlands
Developed with local authorities and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector from across the region, this practical framework supports West Midlands residents of all backgrounds, identities, and socioeconomic circumstances. It provides a practical way of working to build better-connected communities, alongside clear measures of progress on the things that matter most to residents: belonging, safety, opportunity, and connection.
The West Midlands is a region of rich diversity and resilience, but persistent inequalities and systemic challenges have hindered progress. Traditional metrics, such as GDP alone, fail to capture what truly matters to residents. The Inclusive Communities Approach provides a clearer way to balance tensions that are often perceived to be competing – including economic growth, health and wellbeing, and climate resilience. The work highlights that inclusive communities are not just socially beneficial, they are economically and environmentally essential, and achievable.
Practical actions for building inclusive communities
The framework highlights the need to build trust, foster long-term relationships and mutual understanding; to enable participation, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping their communities; to collaborate as equals, and to celebrate diversity as an asset of the region.
Both a framework for thinking and working differently, with the practical tools for measuring and tracking progress, the Inclusive Communities Approach shares practical recommendations for the region and its partners. These include shifting towards resident-centred decision-making, deeper cross sector collaboration, shifts in policy, and changes in practice that unlock flexible and long-term funding with fairer and more accessible procurement processes.
Why collaboration and participation matter
Speaking about the framework, Claire Dhami, Head of Systems Change and Inclusion at the West Midlands Combined Authority, says:
Inclusive communities don’t happen by chance. They are built through trust, participation and collaboration over time. This framework reflects the West Midlands Growth Plan’s ambition to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth – valuing diversity as a regional strength and investing in the social foundations that enable people, places and the economy to thrive together.”
Daniel Farag, Director of Innovation and Practice at The Young Foundation, concludes:
Bold and practical action is needed to build truly inclusive regions. It is widely accepted that the UK can’t build a fairer future without working differently with our communities, and this work provides the practical tools – with clearer metrics to track progress – to make that vision a reality.”
Building inclusive communities requires long-term commitment, collaboration and a willingness to work differently. This framework provides a practical blueprint for partners across the West Midlands — and beyond — to deliver for their residents.
Posted on: 30 March 2026