In an exclusive article for FE News, Alison Morris, Director of Policy at Skills Federation, examines how the recent machinery of government changes – shifting responsibility for skills policy from the Department for Education (DfE) to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – may reshape employer engagement in the UK skills system.
Alison argues that employer involvement remains fundamental to a healthy skills ecosystem and welcomes the increased emphasis on working with sector skills bodies.
A major potential benefit is the UK-wide reach of the DWP – unlike the DfE’s England-only remit. “This could pave the way for a more unified, UK-wide approach to skills policy and funding,” Alison argues.
Alison also cautions that the change also raises questions about clarity of roles, continuity of funding and how employer voice will be harnessed in the new department. She emphasises the need for sector-skills bodies to be actively engaged so that employer perspectives remain central to system design and delivery.
You can read the full article here.
