Putting the interest of people, place and planet at the heart of what we do
NHS Ayrshire & Arran has developed a Community Wealth Building (CWB) Strategy to use our role as a major local organisation (an “anchor institution”) to help improve health, wellbeing, the economy, and the environment across Ayrshire.
We are working closely with East, North, and South Ayrshire Councils through the Ayrshire Community Wealth Building Commission. Together, we’re using this approach to tackle big challenges like recovering from COVID-19, reducing health inequalities, ending child poverty, and responding to the climate emergency.
Community Wealth Building focuses on the following key areas:
- Spending locally – making sure more of our money is spent with local businesses and suppliers.
- Fair employment – creating good jobs and helping people access them.
- Using land and property for community benefit – making better use of buildings and land to support local needs.
- Inclusive business support – helping local businesses and social enterprises grow.
- Democratic ownership of the economy – supporting community led organisations and cooperatives.
- Reducing carbon emissions and supporting a greener future for Ayrshire.
By working together, we’re building a stronger, fairer, and greener Ayrshire.
What is Community Wealth Building?
Community Wealth Building is a new way of thinking about the economy. Instead of focusing only on growth, it puts wellbeing, fairness, and inclusion at the heart of local economic development.
It’s about making sure that the wealth created in Ayrshire stays in Ayrshire, benefiting local people, businesses, and communities.
How does it work?
Community Wealth Building focuses on six key pillars:
- Spending locally – using public money to support local businesses and create jobs.
- Fair employment – promoting good jobs with fair pay and opportunities for everyone.
- Land and property – making better use of buildings and land to support communities.
- Inclusive ownership – supporting local enterprises, cooperatives, and social businesses.
- Financial power – encouraging investment that benefits local people and places.
- Climate action – reducing carbon emissions and building a greener, more sustainable future.
Why now?
Local councils, the NHS, colleges, and other “anchor institutions” in Ayrshire are working together to make this happen. They are using their power, through spending, employment, and assets, to build a fairer, healthier, and more resilient economy.
This approach is already making a difference. It’s helping businesses grow, creating jobs, and supporting communities to take control of their future