Issue - decisions

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was informed that the report recommends the creation of a time-limited Dorset Skills Commission to oversee an ‘at pace’ response to critical skills issues that have been identified from recent economic research.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that these require an urgent response if the area is to achieve its economic ambitions and level up our economy.  The Commission will be tasked with reporting back on its findings to a future Cabinet meeting in 2022/23. 

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet supports the creation of a Dorset Skills Commission between November 2021 and September 2022;

(b)           For this Commission to facilitate the skills delivery needed for an effective and at pace response to a jobs-led approach to COVID-19 economic recovery and levelling up across Dorset;

(c)           the Commission undertakes a review into the Dorset skills landscape – with a particular consideration of the National Skills White Paper, and the levelling up agenda, producing a report that lays out a potential skills journey and opportunities/needs based on 10, 20 and 30-years trajectories;

(d)           the Commission works closely with the Dorset Skills Board and Panel to support immediate implementation of the wider skills priorities within the agreed Dorset Skills Plan and Dorset Investment Prospectus;

(e)           the Director – Economic Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Covid resilience, Schools and Skills, and the Cabinet member for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning, be given delegated authority to agree with Dorset Council and Dorset LEP the governance and membership of the Commission for inclusion in the Terms of Reference.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

                               Covid Resilience, Public Health and Education

Reason

The establishment of a dedicated Commission will oversee an effective and at pace response to a jobs-led approach to COVID-19 economic recovery and contribute to the levelling up of the economy. It would also provide an objective and independent review of the future Dorset Skills landscape, helping to shape a world-class skills and learning infrastructure for all communities, and helping to inform actions in the Brighter Futures and Dynamic Places sections of the Council’s corporate plan.