South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Regional Backing for Government Skills Agenda

22nd March 2005

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) welcomes the Government White Paper on Skills, confirming its support for the Government's Skills Strategy and outlining its commitment to a collective, partnership approach to developing the nation's skills. The White Paper on Skills has just been announced in the House of Commons by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, the Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP. Ms Kelly outlined the Government's revised priorities for the delivery of skills, highlighting the importance of Regional Skills Partnerships (RSPs).

In July 2003, the Government's Skills Strategy announced the formation of RSPs as a key means of integrating activity on skills, training, business support and labour market activity in support of regional economic development. Under SEEDA's co-ordination, partners in the South East have responded by establishing the Regional Skills for Productivity Alliance (RSPA).

Chair of the RSPA and Director of Learning & Skills at SEEDA, John Parsonage, welcomed the new skills White Paper. He said: "This strategy highlights the importance of Regional Skills Partnerships, which have become an integral part of the regional architecture of skills delivery. These partnerships are beginning to gather real momentum in bringing about much stronger partnerships between employers and those involved in the funding and delivery of skills.

"In the South East, the demand led Regional Skills for Productivity Alliance is driven by the needs of employers and its focus has been on the delivery of four key activities. These include the Action for Business Network, the Regional Skills Brokerage Model, Technician Skills and supporting the skills development of young people."

Plans are also being prepared to roll out a National Employer Training Programme, building on the successful project already running in Kent and Berkshire, offering level two tuition to businesses looking to up-skill their staff. RSPs will play a crucial role in influencing the delivery of the programme by identifying the key regional skills priorities.

RSPs will also be looking at ways in which businesses engage with schools to support the recent reforms in education of young people aged between 14-19. At a higher level, skills partnerships will place greater emphasis on stimulating innovation through increased collaborative research and development between businesses and Higher Education Institutions.

The White Paper also highlighted the need for RSPs to work much more closely with organizations such as Local Authorities, through local strategic partnerships and local area agreements. SEEDA is already working through its Area Investment Frameworks to establish key priorities for local areas and local people.

The Government has placed great emphasis on ensuring that the 'skills offer' becomes more aligned with the business community. Head of Sector Skills at SEEDA, Gilly Bartrip, commented: "It is extremely important that skills brokerage recognises the needs of business and plays a vital role in improving productivity and profitability. At a regional and local level, the organisations that work with employers on skills demand must collaborate more effectively with those who plan and fund supply. In the South East, we are already well under way with the Joining Forces framework, which aims to stimulate discussion and encourage feedback on plans for changes in business support provision in the region."

Director of Education and Skills at the Government Office for the South East (GOSE), Hilary Omissi, said: "This White Paper successfully builds on the progress achieved since the launch of the National Skills Strategy in July 2003. It continues to place employer needs and priorities centre stage, recognising that they need a stronger voice in shaping the supply of training. Sector Skills Agreements, Skills Academies, and the South East 'Action for Business College' network are key elements in taking this agenda forward. For individuals, enhanced Information, advice and guidance, as well as improved access to training and jobs, are important themes.

"Through the formation of the Regional Skills for Productivity Alliance and the Workforce Skills Programme, GOSE recognises the good progress that has been made over the last 18 months. We now look forward to working with the RSPA, responding to the challenges and using the region's strong partnership approach to deliver real improvements for both individuals and employers."

Director of Skills at the Kent and Medway Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Tony Allen, added: "Today's Skills White Paper responds to many of the concerns of business, and sets a challenge for employers to work more closely with colleges and training providers in new ways. In working more collaboratively, we need to develop a better mix of skills to help fill jobs that demand high level expertise, as well as those that require technical abilities.

"The Skills White Paper tackles head-on the skill needs of both businesses and adults. For example, Skills Academies set a great example of how the LSC can work with business to take direct action and establish specialist expertise and training recognised and supported by industry.

"The LSC will be involved in the development of future Skills Academies to ensure that they build upon the existing networks of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). In addition, through the National Employer Training Programme, employers can expect training designed and delivered in a way that best meets their needs."

Jobcentre Plus Regional Director, Neil Couling, commented: "Basic Skills are key to meeting the needs of employers. I very much welcome the White Paper, which will help us to build on the collaborative activities in the South East aimed at providing employers with the skilled workforce required to raise productivity."

Summarising, John Parsonage said: "Many of the issues highlighted in the White Paper are already being developed and delivered by the South East's Regional Skills for Productivity Alliance. I am delighted that the Government has acknowledged the work and achievements of the Regional Skills Partnerships and very much look forward to continuing our partnership approach to meet the new challenges ahead."

The Skills Strategy Website can be accessed on the internet at: www.dfes.gov.uk/skillsstrategy.