Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board - 10 July 2026

The Board began its meeting with a site visit to the Cornish Pirates at The Mennaye in Penzance, hosted by the club’s Chief Executive and Chairman. Members toured the facilities and heard about the club’s efforts to broaden its appeal beyond rugby, including partnerships with Global Cornish and investment in youth programmes. The visit highlighted significant storm damage to the Tribute Grandstand, with repairs expected in time for a match against Saracens. The club reported that revenue had doubled over two seasons, and a landmark US investment—the first known in an English professional rugby club—was enabling gradual infrastructure improvements. The club’s long-term vision includes developing an academy, a women’s team, and progression to Premiership Rugby and European competition, subject to meeting Minimum Standards Criteria.

An update from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group noted positive progress on strategic programmes and opportunities arising from the Vanguard Programme, including work on economic growth, employment, and skills. Cornwall Council’s Cabinet had considered findings on the Devolution White Paper and Local Government Reorganisation, moving into implementation. The area was shortlisted for the UK Telecoms Innovation Network Regional Innovation Programme. The Cornish Language Strategy had been completed and was expected to come before the Board. Further work on the Strategic Investment Register was ongoing, and the next Executive Group meeting would discuss initial findings of the Fair Funding Review.

The Chair of Cornwall Youth Council reported on recent elections in February 2026, with over 13,000 young people voting across 29 settings, electing 18 Youth Councillors. Five thematic groups were established: accessibility and inclusion; youth voice and support; transport and freedom to travel; sports, leisure, and activity spaces; and mental health and wellbeing. The Youth Council had engaged with over 300 young people through surveys and community events, and was developing a network with town and parish youth councils. Members discussed the use of anonymised campaign statements and the importance of building links with local youth councils to strengthen representation.

The Board endorsed the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly International Strategy 2026-2036 for approval by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on 29 July 2026. The strategy focuses on raising Cornwall’s international profile, strengthening cultural and economic connections, and promoting the area as a destination for living, visiting, and working. Discussion included the importance of including links with Mexico and Quebec, particularly around critical minerals and trade, and ensuring the strategy goes beyond diaspora connections to support broader economic growth. The Partnership Review, prompted by the Corporate Peer Challenge, was also discussed. Members supported the review’s objectives—streamlining partnerships, reducing duplication, and ensuring alignment with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Plan 2050—and offered feedback on governance, capacity, and the relationship between partnerships and delivery mechanisms. The review will be overseen by a Task and Finish Group.