South Yorkshire launches new shared strategy for the region

The South Yorkshire Strategy is built around three ambitions: helping every person in South Yorkshire stay near and go far, making South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country, and ensuring every community is connected and proud of its place.

It has been developed in partnership with local authorities, businesses, the NHS, education providers, community organisations and residents. It brings together the ambitions, priorities and evidence that will help shape decision-making and investment across the region over the coming decade.

The Strategy has been developed with over 100 partners and can be viewed here: South Yorkshire Strategy - September 2026

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire’s story has always been written by people coming together to get things done and that same spirit sits at the heart of our strategy.

“Over the last year, businesses, public services, community organisations and local people have helped shape a shared vision for South Yorkshire. They’ve told us what matters most: good jobs and opportunity, healthier lives, strong communities, and places people can be proud to call home.

“It isn’t a strategy that belongs to SYMCA or any single organisation. It’s a strategy that belongs to South Yorkshire.

“It’s our collective commitment to creating a place where every person can stay near and go far, the healthiest region in the country, where every community is connected and proud to call this place home.

“Now the real work begins. The success of the strategy won’t be measured by the words on the pages, but by the difference it makes in people’s lives over the years ahead. If we continue to work together with the same ambition, energy and determination that got us here, I’m confident South Yorkshire’s best days are still ahead of us.”

The strategy was informed by engagement carried out across South Yorkshire, alongside evidence, existing plans and the expertise of partners throughout the region. It is designed to provide a shared framework for action while recognising the distinct strengths and identities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Louisa Harrison Walker OBE, CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Co Chair of the SYMCA Business Advisory Board, said: “Sheffield Chamber is proud to support a strategy that enables people to ‘stay near and go far’- accessing good jobs, skills and opportunities close to home, while giving them the confidence and connections to succeed nationally and globally.

“By working together, we can create a thriving South Yorkshire where businesses grow, talent flourishes and no one feels they must leave the region to fulfil their potential.”

The strategy is being published alongside South Yorkshire’s Growth Plan, the region’s long-term economic strategy.

The South Yorkshire Strategy was endorsed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board last week and marks the beginning of a new phase of collective action across the region.