Government pledge to simplify training
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills has published a report on simplification of the skills system for employers.
It recognises:
- Difficulties of finding/accessing the right parts of the system when needed.
- Complexity of programmes/initiatives, with constant new announcements and changes.
- Restrictive constraints on initiatives, leading to unmet employer expectations.
- Excessive bureaucracy for those employers who do engage with the system.
- Complexity of organisations and structures, all seeking to communicate with employers.
- Constant change meaning that employers cannot keep track of what is on offer.
The UK Commission is now proposing plans to make it easier for employers to find and obtain the support they need without having to deal with the complications of different Government agencies and delivery organisations.
The proposals will include:
- A single business brokerage service under a single brand to provide one point of access for all employer engagement with government business development and support programmes – innovation, export, consultancy, regulation and skills.
- Bringing all Government skills programmes and initiatives under a single brand (‘Train to Gain’) as a menu of support that can be directly related to the company training plan
- A collaborative programme of work between LSC, HM Treasury, and the National Audit Office to reduce current contracting and financial management bureaucracy by two thirds.
- Replacement of the current bureaucratic Qualifications Code of Practice by a new and simplified approach that trusts employer practice without reducing system quality and integrity.
Following approval by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, these detailed proposals will be presented to the Secretary of State and other Ministers for their consideration and implementation.
To find out more go to http://www.ukces.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=4662
Send this story to a colleague
