To agree the amended Adult Learning, Skills and Employment Strategy for publication and to also agree the development of a more detailed Action Plan to deliver priorities and targets set out therein.
Minutes:
(Item 4 – report of the Mr Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and health Reform and Patrick Leeson, Director of Education and Young People’s Services)
Cabinet received a reporting the results of the recent consultation on the Adult Learning, Skills and Employment Strategy and seeking endorsement of the draft as amended for adoption by KCC.
Mr Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform introduced the report for members; in particular he referred to the following:
Patrick Leeson, Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services, spoke to the item to draw the following further information to the attention of members:
Following a question from the Leader Mr Leeson added that the targets in the strategy were aimed at raising levels in Kent to those of other South Eastern authorities and were challenging but realistic. The need for a detailed delivery plan had been identified as part of the consultation and work was underway via partnership boards to produce that document. Once complete the delivery action plan would include detailed targets, timescales for achievement and measurement criteria. He also confirmed that recruitment and retention of workers in the social care sector was recognised as a priority and discussions had already begun with relevant partners to establish this area of skills as a particular speciality for Kent.
Mr Dance, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, confirmed the importance of available skills in attracting foreign investment to Kent. He reported that the availability of the ex-Pfizer workforce, living in the area and ready to be employed with the relevant skills in place, had proved invaluable in attracting one foreign company in particular to the Discovery site recently.
Mr Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities reminded members that the Growth Strategy for Community, Learning and Skills was tied in to the Facing the Challenge programme and sought to establish the freedoms and flexibilities necessary for that particular service to grow.
It was RESOLVED that:
CABINET Adult Learning, Skills and Employment Strategy 27 April 2015 |
|
1. |
That the Adult Learning, Skills and Employment Strategy for be agreed |
2. |
That the development of a detailed Action Plan to deliver its priorities and targets be agreed. |
REASON |
|
1. |
In order that the Council has a properly agreed, clear and accessible framework to drive improvement in skills attainment in older adults. |
2 |
In order to ensure that delivery is well managed and measured. |
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED |
None. |
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST |
None. |
DISPENSATIONS GRANTED |
None. |
Supporting documents: