Agenda item

To consider the draft scoping document for a scrutiny review of Stevenage Skills Framework and to receive an officer presentation to help orientate Members to the review.

The Chair introduced the item, noting the ongoing work on the student skills framework from March. He emphasised the focus on high-end technical and vocational skills to match Stevenage's evolving employment opportunities. He also mentioned plans to address access to work for those facing re-entry challenges.

The Chair introduced the Corporate Policy and Performance Manager to present to the Committee.

For the benefit of newer Members and as a reminder to longer-standing Members of the Committee, the Corporate Policy and Performance Manager reprised the presentation he had given to the March 2024 meeting.

In addition to the reprised presentation, the Corporate Policy and Performance Manager provided an update on progress since the March 2024 meeting. The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager informed the Committee that the final year of UK SPF funding had commenced. This was a £1m package that replaced the European Social Investment Fund. He advised that 65% of that funding had been utilised, focused on various skills elements.

The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager highlighted the completion of the evaluation for the pioneering discovery phase of work with Mission 44 and ongoing discussions for a long-term partnership over the next three to five years.

The Committee were informed of a Generation Stevenage Event, delivered by the Council’s Business Relationship Manager in collaboration with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, that took place in May 2024.

The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager advised the Committee that funding had been secured and an Enterprise and Skills Partnership Officer had been appointed to start in September 2024.

The Committee were informed about an upcoming STEM Skills update with key partners, businesses and Mission 44 scheduled for 18 July 2024.

The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager concluded by outlining the next steps which included additional witness interview sessions and a potential site visit to the SITEC site at North Hertfordshire College. The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager referenced the Draft Scoping Document and welcomed any questions.

Some Members emphasised the need for reskilling older individuals both in and out of work. The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager confirmed the strategy included young people, unemployed adults, and those looking to retrain. The Chair advised the Committee of a planned session on reskilling older individuals in the autumn.

A Member stressed the importance of including all students in skills initiatives and not just the more academically minded students. The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager affirmed the inclusivity focus, mentioning efforts with disenfranchised groups through Mission 44 and partnerships with organisations like the Prince's Trust, highlighting positive outcomes such as increased participation of young women in sciences.

A Member emphasised the importance of non-technical skills, especially in mental health and human services, alongside tech skills.

A Member inquired about potential impacts of new government policies on the skills agenda. The Corporate Policy and Performance Manager responded stating the need for clearer alignment between councils and government departments and highlighting the complexity of the current skills funding landscape.

It was RESOLVED that the update from the Corporate Policy and Performance Manager be noted and that the Draft Scoping Document be agreed.