Government Skills
Although the Skills Strategy is not in itself a direct initiative on diversity, it can and should be diversity positive. The Skills Strategy is aimed at building the skills of the entire workforce and not just those at the top. If we can more effectively develop the skills of everybody across the sector – both men and women, whatever their ethnic origin, their sexual orientation, or whether they have a disability – this means everyone can build the ability to succeed in the organisation.
As part of its commitment to diversity, Government Skills assessed the Skills Strategy against the current UK legislation on diversity. We predict a positive impact overall, with women (particularly those in the older age groups) benefiting most from the action to deliver on the Skills Pledge. Working more closely with the tertiary education sector will help develop stronger links with communities, to help produce a workforce more reflective of the entire population.
A broad range of delivery mechanisms are being considered (for example, e-learning) in order to:
As part of its broader work on diversity, Government Skills has agreed that one of its board members, Sue Ferns, from the trade union Prospect, will act as diversity champion for the Sector Skills Council.
