Issue - meetings

The BCP Skills Plan, identifies BCP’s skills and productivity challenges and defines a programme of key priorities and actions to address.  It is part of the Economic Development Strategy (approved Nov 2021) and developed in collaboration with Dorset LEP and in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, summarises an extensive evidence base and provides a priority framework for skills development to meet the needs of business in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

This report highlights the main elements of the plan and seeks cabinet’s approval. The plan sets the objectives and forms the framework for a project-specific action plan which is already in development.

RESOLVED that: -

That BCP Skills Plan which is part of the Economic Development Strategy (EDS) be approved

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Development, Growth and Regeneration

Reason

The plan is part of the Economic Development Strategy to help deliver the council’s strategic aims and objectives, with a focus on meeting skills need to drive productivity; attracting talent through a work and place centric delivery; retaining skilled workers through smarter collaborations; and encouraging a more aspirational community with learning for life opportunities.

The emphasis of this work identifies Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole’s skills and productivity challenges and defines a programme of key priorities and actions to address. The plan aligns with other related strategies and plans including - The Big Plan, the BCP Council Corporate Strategy, the Dorset Local Industrial Strategy, (as well as the recently agreed BCP Council Economic Development Strategy 2022-26) and the Dorset Local Skills Report.

This plan also supports the local delivery of the Levelling up agenda (including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - UKSPF), the new Skills Bill and the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

The Cabinet Lead Member for Levelling Up presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the BCP Skills Plan, identifies BCP’s skills and productivity challenges and defines a programme of key priorities and actions to address. 

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that it is part of the Economic Development Strategy (approved Nov 2021) and developed in collaboration with Dorset LEP and in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, summarises an extensive evidence base and provides a priority framework for skills development to meet the needs of business in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Cabinet was advised that the report highlights the main elements of the plan and seeks cabinet’s approval, and that the plan sets the objectives and forms the framework for a project-specific action plan which is already in development.

The Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration advised that he was pleased to see the progress on this issue and that it had been a positive, collaborative piece of work.

RESOLVED that: -

That BCP Skills Plan which is part of the Economic Development Strategy (EDS) be approved

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Development, Growth and Regeneration