To approve the Marches Skills Plan 2017.

The Marches LEP director introduced the report. She stated that the new skills plan had been worked on for the last 6 to 8 months and that the skills lead officers from each of the partner authorities had been heavily involved in the drafting. The plan had been endorsed by the LEP Board with minor amendments. The skills action plan would be reviewed at the quarterly skills board meetings. 

The director clarified that the proposed skills round tables were not intended to replace the skills board. Employers and providers had wanted a forum for a more generic debate about skills in their area and the round table sessions would facilitate this. Dates for the sessions were to be confirmed, starting in April 2017.

The impact of the apprenticeship levy on employers in the marches area was discussed. It was noted that only a small number of private sector employers across the area would meet the threshold of having 50+ employees. The LEP director reported that further detailed guidance was awaited from central government.

It was noted that a considerable amount of consultation had taken place in drafting the new skills plan and that it was a slimmed down, more focussed document than previous plans.

Resolved that:

a)    the Marches Enterprise Joint Committee agrees the draft Marches LEP 3 Year Skills Plan and Action Plan as detailed in Annexe 1 and Annexe 2 to the report.