February 2024
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This conference focused on next steps for regional skills and local skills improvement plans (LSIPs), following the launch of the local skills improvement fund (LSIF).
It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to evaluate lessons learnt from the first phase of work, and to examine initiatives aimed at devolving skills and training provision to align with local strategies, as set out in the LSIPs published in August 2023.
Delegates assessed implementation priorities for the LSIF, looking at the way forward for employer and training provider engagement to ensure that the plans and fund remain relevant and dynamic to changing skills needs and regional strategies.
Discussion also focused on regional skills within the context of wider agendas in levelling up and devolution of powers, assessing next steps for promoting local growth and raising employment and skills levels.
Further sessions explored priorities for fulfilling the skills needs of different sectors, with a particular focus on the dispersion of green jobs in the UK.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Nick Rashley, Deputy Director, Developing Programmes and Localities, Regions and Providers Directorate, Department for Education; Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester; Parminder Kohli, Commissioner, Social Mobility Commission; Mark Hilton, Policy Delivery Director, BusinessLDN; and Suzanne Caldwell, Chief Executive, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- LSIPs: lessons learned from the first phase - next steps for implementation - priorities for adapting plans to local needs - implementation and allocation of the LSIF
- developing skills for the future: ensuring plans are dynamic and responsive to changing needs - addressing digital and innovation skills gaps - improving accessibility to training and upskilling
- net zero: regional green skills priorities in the UK - exploring dispersion of jobs and opportunities throughout England to achieve net zero targets
- devolution: strategic priorities for utilising devolved powers to develop skills policy - options for collaboration between private sectors
- regional inequalities: driving local educational attainment and social mobility - pathways to high quality employment - widening opportunities and access to training in disadvantaged areas
- raising standards of skills provision: pathways to high quality skills training throughout England - maximising the UK’s potential in key sectors through regional skills
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; DBT; DCMS; Defra; Department for the Economy, NI; DESNZ; DfE; DfT; DLUHC; DSIT; DWP; HMPPS; HMT; Home Office; IPO; NICS; Ofsted; and ONS - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.
