A new report has revealed that Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are delivering real results for employers, colleges, training providers and learners in Cheshire & Warrington and beyond.
The analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce has delved into the performance of LSIPs across England for the past four years. They are employer-led, place-based partnerships that bring businesses together with further and higher education, independent training providers and strategic authorities to ensure skills provision reflects real labour market demand.
There are 39 LSIPs across England and 33 of them are run by Chambers of Commerce. The programme is helping to reshape the skills system, so it better supports productivity, growth and opportunity in local economies.
The report highlights the success of the LSIP model in engaging employers at scale, strengthening collaboration between education and business, and translating employer insight into practical change on the ground. This has included new courses, upgraded facilities and improved alignment between training and jobs.
The Cheshire & Warrington LSIP have held more than 1,500 engagements with local employers, including hosting three successful Business & Skills Conferences; helping local business better navigate the skills system, widen their talent pools and enhance their social value activities. Working with local Further and Higher Education institutions and independent training providers, the LSIP has informed training provision to become employer-led, including adaptations to current provision and creation of new courses.
While the report notes wider challenges facing the labour market, including the need to better engage young people with the world of work, its central conclusion is clear: LSIPs are working and provide a proven, employer-led framework that can be built on to drive long-term economic growth.
South & North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry leads the LSIP in Cheshire & Warrington as the designated Employer Representative Body, working with employers and partners to identify priority skills needs and turn them into meaningful action for businesses and learners.
Paul Colman, Chief Executive of South & North Cheshire Chamber, said:
“By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs are ensuring training provision reflects the real needs of the local economy. The programme is strengthening collaboration, improving outcomes for learners and helping businesses plan for the future.
“But despite their success, funding isn’t guaranteed, and we need government to confirm long-term support for the scheme.”
The full report, Delivering Growth: Four Years of LSIP Impact, is available here.
