Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Not Addressed
Skills England's current status and lack of statutory foundation compromises its independence.
Conclusion
Given the primacy of the Government’s economic growth mission, and the emphasis the Government has placed on a high-functioning and forward- looking skills system to deliver that mission, the comparison between the status of Skills England on the one hand and organisations such as the Met Office and the DVLA on the other is a weak one. Skills England has been given the crucial role of transforming skills opportunities and driving growth and it is vital that it is able to work impartially and, if necessary, challenge Government policy. We were concerned, therefore, by the reluctance of the Chairs and CEOs of Skills England to comment on the adequacy of funding for the FE sector when they gave oral evidence. Furthermore, without a statutory foundation, Skills England may be altered or abolished by this or any future Government and without the consent of Parliament. (Conclusion, Paragraph 17)
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition and reiterates Skills England's established role as an executive agency supporting economic growth and the industrial strategy, without addressing the committee's concerns about impartiality or statutory foundation.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government welcomes the Committee’s recognition of Skills England as a key driver of a high-functioning skills system that supports economic growth. Skills England supports the integration of skills development and employment support to better meet national and local workforce needs. As set out in the DWP Secretary of State’s remit letter for 2025–2026, Skills England was established to equip the national workforce with the skills required to drive economic growth and enable people to access better jobs more quickly. As an executive agency, Skills England plays a central role in delivering the Government’s Plan for Change and industrial strategy. Its ambition is to create a world-class skills system that leaves no person or place behind. Skills England’s vision is to build world-class skills that underpin the Government’s growth and opportunity missions through ‘better skills for better jobs’. Skills England is already established as the authoritative voice on skills needs, informing the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, the Industrial Strategy sector plans and packages, and the Labour Market Evidence Group’s work on migration.