The report of the Strategic Director of children’s Services (Document “S”) presents the final version of the Skills Plan, “People Skills Prosperity”, for approval by the Executive and next steps.

RECOMMENDATIONS

(1)          That the District Skills Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to Document “S” be approved for publication and formal launch.

(2)          That a “Skills Board” is set up to draft and implement a partnership action plan to deliver People, Skills, Prosperity.

(3)          That the Executive receive an update on progress in September

            2020.

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

(Jenny Cryer – 0127443 1266)

Resolved-

(1)          That the District Skills Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to Document “S” be approved for publication and formal launch.

(2)          That a “Skills Board” be set up to draft and implement a partnership action plan to deliver People, Skills, Prosperity.

(3)          That the Executive receive an update on progress in

            September 2020.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

(Jenny Cryer – 0127443 1266)

The report of the Strategic Director of Children’s Services (Document “S”) presented the final version of the Skills Plan, “People Skills Prosperity”, for approval by the Executive and the next steps.

A number of people were present at the meeting including representatives from Beckfoot Heaton and individuals who had been involved in a number of the key actions that had already been progressed through existing partnerships, in particular the work relating to ICE, Bradford Pathways and Skills House.  It was the intention that Employment and Skills Officers will promote the work of the plan through a series of key networks.

A number of people who had been involved in the existing partnership work gave their testimonies on how the different programmes had improved their confidence and equipped them with the skills to progress into education, training and employment opportunities, and officers stated that the launch of the new Skills Plan will only enhance and extend what is currently on offer.

It was stressed that central to the Skills Plan was changing people’s lives and that high aspirations were crucial to its success.

A Councillor who was observing ascertained how the plan would be rolled out within existing resources.  In response it was explained that previously we had been successful in attracting European funding, however the intention would be to fund the new programme from existing resources.

The Leader stated that skills was a crucial plank of the work we’re doing as an authority and that the potential regeneration benefits were immense.  

A Member of the public raised an issue regards the availability of GCSE courses post 16 and it was mentioned that Connextions was the area that dealt with post 16, and that officers will speak to him regarding his particular circumstances.

The Education, Employment and Skills Portfolio Holder in welcoming the Plan, commended the individuals who had attended and shared their inspiring stories, adding that as a district we were moving in the right direction and helping people realise their aspirations, and that it also provided a pivotal link with the Council’s economic strategy.  In addition this was our commitment to improving skills, and with the imminent opening of the New College in Bradford, a further exciting development for creating opportunities and improving results.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport portfolio holder added that this was a key strand in up skilling the workforce and that it went hand in had with the Council’s economic strategy.

The Leader thanked all those in attendance and for sharing their stories.

Resolved-

(1)          That the District Skills Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to Document “S” be approved for publication and formal launch.

(2)          That a “Skills Board” be set up to draft and implement a partnership action plan to deliver People, Skills, Prosperity.

(3)          That the Executive receive an update on progress in

            September 2020.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)