Skills for Business Network - working in partnership

Aileen told delegates that the Skills for Business Network was made up of the Sector Skills Development Agency and 25 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs).  It covered 90% of the UK workforce and although it was UK wide it operated through specific structures in Scotland.  The roles of the SSCs were wide ranging and they were involved in developing labour market information, improving productivity, boosting skills and improving the learning supply. 

Delegates also heard about the role that SSCs played in developing National Occupational Standards through employer engagement and the importance of Sector Skills Agreements (SSAs). These SSAs were the result of stakeholder engagement and were crucial in identifying the strategic direction of, and developing an action plan for, each sector. Aileen said that, as of April 2007, 10 SSAs had been completed with a further five likely to complete by May 2007 and the remaining 10 by May 2008.

Aileen said there were a number of emerging themes from consultations and engagement with stakeholders.  These included the need for higher level skills, management and leadership issues, employability skills, support for migrant workers, customer service skills, employer engagement, size and structure of qualifications, and improvement in information, advice and guidance.

In conclusion, Aileen said the SSCs and stakeholders had a common aim of growing Scotland’s economy and that continued partnership with SQA, funders, government and education and training providers was vital to realising this aim.

Downloads and Links

Aileen Ponton, Sector Skills Delivery Agency (SSDA) - Skills for Business Network: Working in partnership presentation 

Further details on the work of SSDA can be found on www.ssda.org.uk and information on National Occupational Standards can be found on www.ukstandards.org.

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