Agenda item

7.1

The report seeks to:

·     update the Economic Development and Skills Committee on the work to date in mapping the Employment and Skills landscape in Sheffield.

·     gain the approval of the Committee to establish a Governance Board including the key stakeholders that operate in this area of work

·     gain approval to progress work on an Employment and Skills Strategy for Sheffield agree the initial priorities to be considered in the development process.

·     Note that green jobs and skills are a critical part of the employment and skills strategy

7.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee:-

1. Approves the creation of an Employment and Skills Advisory Board.
2. Approves the development of an Employment and Skills strategy for Sheffield and the initial policy areas to be considered in the development of the strategy to be led by the Employment and Skills Board, as set out in this report.
3. Notes that green jobs and skills are a critical part of the employment and skills strategy.
4. Establishes a task and finish group composed of members of the committee, with at least one representative from each of the pollical parties, to receive regular updates and feedback from the Advisory Board.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The recommendations support the following Council priorities:

•       Tackling inequalities and supporting people through the cost of living crisis

•       Healthy lives and wellbeing for all

•       Clean economic growth

•       Happy young people who have the start they need for the future they want

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

A do-nothing approach would result in Governance and Strategy being held at a Regional level.

Whilst this was considered, stakeholders have been clear that there is a need for a strategic board to co-ordinate the wide range of partners and activities within Sheffield. This is to ensure that programmes are complementary and that all areas of the community are supported.

There is also agreement of the need to set employment and skills vision and ambitions for Sheffield as it lays the foundation for an inclusive economy and clean economic growth.

8.1

The Director of Economy, Skills and Culture presented a report to the committee recommending that Sheffield City Council establish itself as a leader in local Employment and Skills by the creation of an advisory board  to lead the development of an Employment and Skills Strategy.

8.2

It was acknowledged that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) was also working on a strategy, however, it was important to have a locally focussed strategy to facilitate essential collaboration with other organisations that were significant levers in the sector and also to maximise funding opportunities.

8.3

Discussion took place on how the advisory board would work in partnership with the committee and align with the Sheffield City Goals. Members were in agreement that there should be cross-party representation to reflect the political views of the Council in a task and finish group. 

8.4

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee Policy Committee:-

1. Approves the creation of an Employment and Skills Advisory Board as

set out in this report

2. Approves the development of an Employment and Skills strategy for

Sheffield and the initial policy areas to be considered in the development of the strategy to be led by the Employment and Skills Board, as set out in this report

3. Notes that green jobs and skills are a critical part of the employment and

skills strategy

4.    Establishes a task and finish group composed of members of the committee, with at least one representative from each of the pollical parties, to receive regular updates and feedback from the Advisory Board.

8.5

Reasons for Decision

The recommendations support the following Council priorities:

•       Tackling inequalities and supporting people through the cost of living crisis

•       Healthy lives and wellbeing for all

•       Clean economic growth

•       Happy young people who have the start they need for the future they want

8.6

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

A do-nothing approach would result in Governance and Strategy being held at a regional level.

Whilst this was considered, stakeholders have been clear that there is a

need for a strategic Governance Board to co-ordinate the wide range of

partners and activities within Sheffield. This is to ensure that programmes are complementary and that all areas of the community are supported.

There is also agreement of the need to set employment and skills vision and ambitions for Sheffield as it lays the foundation for an inclusive

economy and clean economic growth.