Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 15, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 The Executive Director City Futures submitted a report containing the draft Sheffield International Strategy 2025-28 for consideration and approval.   The Strategy relates to Phase 3 of the work commissioned by Strategy & Resources Policy Committee.  A review of our international relationships was undertaken.  This led to the development and approval of a Partner City Policy, and following a period of focussed work in the international arena, the third strand of this commission has seen the development of a longer-term Strategy.   The Strategy sets out how Sheffield City Council will engage internationally to support economic growth, civic partnerships, and global collaboration.  It has been developed through consultation and cross-departmental input.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) approves the draft Sheffield International Strategy 2025-28, attached to this report at Appendix 1; and       (b) notes that progress on delivery of the Strategy will be reported to the Committee as part of the annual International Update.     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 The Strategy relates to Phase 3 of work commissioned by Strategy & Resources Policy Committee.  A review of our international relationships was undertaken.  This led to the development and approval of a Partner City Policy, and following a period of focussed work in the international arena, the third strand of this commission was the development of a longer-term (3-year) Sheffield International Strategy, which is now being considered.     10.3.2 Whilst it is largely economically driven, the Strategy covers a number of different strands including Trade & Investment, and Civic and Community Partnerships - themes which cut across the Council.     10.3.3 The Strategy aims to support the delivery of objectives (those with a specific international aspect) in key strategies and plans including the Council Plan 2024-28; the Growth Plan 2025-35; City Goals; Culture Strategy for 2035 and the Strategic Major Events Plan.     10.3.4 Members are recommended to approve the International Strategy as a mechanism to address a current gap within the Council’s procedures, which will also seek to support the international objectives of key partner organisations.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option: Do Nothing - Sheffield has not had a dedicated International Strategy for many years.  As a consequence, international activities have often been opportunistic or reactive, with little regard to future resourcing requirements or potential benefits and outcomes for the city.   This is evidenced with us having relationships with in excess of 25 international locations around the world, through Twinning, Sister City and other arrangements.  Some of these links there are obvious synergies between locations, whilst others are less apparent.   A Partner City Policy was agreed by Strategy & Resources Policy Committee in November 2023.  The development of a dedicated International Strategy was the next part of the process.   We could choose not to adopt an International Strategy, however, if this were the case, then we would be lacking a framework for our international activities and without a clear rationale for the Council to take decisions linked to the city’s positioning on the global stage and our international aspirations.  Furthermore, we would be without a stated mechanism to support our key partner organisations and city anchors in achieving their stated objectives within the international sphere.