LSIP Status Announced for Sussex Chamber

Secretary of State designates Sussex Chamber to deliver Local Skills Improvement Plan across Sussex.

Sussex Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that they have been chosen to lead the development and delivery of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.

Following the successful development of the Trailblazer LSIP for Sussex, published in April 2022, the Chamber has now been designated as the Employer Representative Body to take forward the LSIP for Sussex, as they are rolled out across the country.

Skills shortages are regularly highlighted by businesses as a key recruitment issue and LSIPs, funded by the Department for Education, aim to put the voice of local employers at the heart of the learning and skills system to build a stronger, more dynamic partnership between employers and education providers. It is hoped this will allow provision to be more responsive to the skills needs of employers in the Sussex labour market.

Sussex Chamber Chief Executive, Ana Christie, said: “This designation provides us with the exciting opportunity to continue the work started during the LSIP Trailblazer and bring together employers, training providers and other key stakeholders across Sussex to continue to respond to the skills priorities and solutions identified within our LSIP report and the associated Future Skills Sussex Improvement Framework.”

The Chamber is one of 32 Accredited Chambers of Commerce which will lead LSIPs across the country, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Jane Gratton, from the BCC, said: “We are delighted that so many Accredited Chambers have been designated by the Secretary of State. The Chamber Network will use its convening power and deep knowledge of their local economies and communities to develop clear plans to address skills challenges faced by businesses. Chambers will bring together local businesses, training providers and a broad range of stakeholders to identify the skills needed to increase opportunities and enable economic growth for the benefit of everyone in the community. 

“This is an opportunity for employers to shape how their current and future workforce can access the right training to thrive in the modern, more digital and greener workplace. More than 10,000 businesses were engaged in the eight Chamber-led trailblazers. Building on this learning and success, we will ensure that planning for local skills is aligned with the job opportunities and growth ambitions of employers. 

“An efficient, network approach will enable the sharing of best practice to boost outcomes for people wherever they live, work and train. Closing the skills gap across all regions and sectors will help build all communities, and we are proud to see, once again, Accredited Chambers at the heart of local growth.”

For further information please contact Claire Witz, Skills Project Director at skills@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk