Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 19, 2025

Purpose: In November 2023, Strategy & Resources Policy Committee approved the proposal to establish a new Partner City Policy.  In establishing the Policy, it was proposed that an Annual Report be prepared each Municipal Year for the purposes of detailing any activity linked to the Council’s international relationships.  The first Annual Report, covering the 2023-24 Municipal Year, was presented to the Committee in February 2024.

Content: 12.1 The Executive Director City Futures submitted a report containing an Annual Report in respect of the Council’s International Activity during the 2024-25 Municipal Year. The Report also sets out planned activities in respect of the development of an International Strategy.   The year 2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of Sheffield Twinning with the German city of Bochum – the Report outlines activities planned to mark this anniversary throughout the year.   The Appendix attached to the Report provides a detailed overview of engagement with the City’s ‘Principal’ Partner Cities, together with information in respect of any other approaches that may have been received.      12.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) notes the contents of the International Update 2024-25 included at Appendix A attached to this Report;   (b) notes the development of a Sheffield International Strategy, with work taking place over the period from February to June 2025;   (c) agrees to receive a draft Sheffield International Strategy document at a future Strategy & Resources Policy Committee meeting for consideration and approval, aligned to the timescales outlined; and   (d) notes the development of proposals to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Twinning with Bochum, during 2025.     12.3 Reasons for Decision     12.3.1 In agreeing a Partner City Policy in November 2023, there was a commitment to present an annual International Update each Municipal Year.  This Report presents the Council’s second annual International Update and provides a transparent overview of Sheffield’s activities within the international arena during 2024-25.     12.3.2 A Sheffield International Strategy is required in order to provide a framework for the Council’s international activities going forward, ensuring alignment with the international aspirations of some of the city’s anchor institutions, including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and both universities.     12.3.3 A Sheffield International Strategy will also seek to harness the interest and continued appetite for our ‘Principal’ Partner Cities to engage with Sheffield, identifying key areas of focus and specific outcomes to be achieved.     12.3.4 Bochum is Sheffield’s oldest Twin City, the relationship having been established in 1950.  75 years on, it is fitting that this significant milestone is acknowledged and celebrated by both cities, and in seeking to reaffirm the Twinning relationship, that parameters are agreed for future years.     12.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     12.4.1 ‘Do Nothing’ - The alternative option is to retain the status quo.  The development of an International Strategy stems from the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee acknowledging the need to formalise our international activities, initially through agreeing a Partner City Policy in November 2023.  This decision was an acknowledgement that retaining the status quo was not appropriate.