Skills board to support Hull and East Yorkshire devolution gets to work

Influential figures from across the region have come together to form the Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board.

It is the latest group that will support the work of the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, after a £400-million devolution deal was agreed with the Government.

Alongside the new Hull and East Yorkshire Business Board, the Skills Board will provide the opportunity for the business sector to provide advice on what areas need addressing in the skills agenda, supporting the development of a regional skills system.

It will bring together employers and providers - including the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector - where they will work together to creative innovative solutions to supply and demand challenges, as well as looking to take advantages of future opportunities.

Portfolio holder for children's services at Hull City Council, Councillor Linda Tock, said: "The Skills Board will be very important in recognising the existing education and training provision in our region, and where we can all go from here.

"It's down to everyone to work together to ensure that local people can benefit from high-quality post-16 education and training opportunities.

"We want to make sure we get the most of the economic boost devolution brings to our part of the world, but it can also allow for aspirations to be recognised - and this Board will try to help everyone achieve their full potential no matter their background."

Portfolio holder for children, families and education for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Victoria Aitken said: "It is essential to improve economic prospects and skills for communities across the Hull and East Riding region.

"The Skills Board will play a key role in determining how we work towards improved training opportunities and outcomes - providing the best opportunities for future generations.

"The Board will help ensure children and young people in this region are skilled for the jobs of the future.

"We're grateful to the board members for sharing their expertise and advice, and look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities that devolution provides."

The role of the Skills Board will also include the setting up of management systems to invest the Adult Skills Fund, which acts as a way for residents to gain vital qualifications and develop new skills.

It will also oversee the range of current contracted education and training provision managed by the former Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

It was agreed at the Board's inaugural meeting that a Chair and a Deputy would be appointed at the group's second gathering early next year.