A year of progress: Innovating skills and empowering the workforce across Surrey and Hampshire 

Today, Surrey Chambers of Commerce and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce proudly publish the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Progress Report. This comprehensive report showcases a year of achievements in the local skills landscape, driven by strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives. From steering training investments towards what employers need to the coordination of networks and collaboration opportunities, the LSIP has been a catalyst to help align the skills system with the evolving needs of the local labour market. 

This report highlights the significant strides made by delivery partners across Surrey and Hampshire to help enhance the skills landscape, since the publication of the LSIP report in August 2023.

• Improving careers support, aligned to business’ skills needs: Colleges have used government funding¹ to invest in more careers advisers; created 32 jobs and careers factsheets aimed at young people; developed a cross-college interactive ‘Careers Map’ showing 360° virtual tours of workplaces and new college facilities. 
• Delivering responsive and inclusive training for employers: Partners in both Surrey and Hampshire have delivered workshops and events for businesses focusing on AI and cyber security; additional courses in (e.g.) digital and employability skills have been added to the ISVC e-learning platform²; Hampshire and Surrey County Council have led on managing delivery of a range of Skills Bootcamps, to help individuals gain in-demand skills. 
• Helping to ensure the voice of business is front and centre: Working with the two County Councils, the LSIP team has helped identify and define all the skills groups and boards; the LSIP team has secured representation on several strategic groups including some coordinated by government. 
• Building relationships between business and providers: Multiple events and workshops, led by the LSIP team, have brought together businesses and providers with a focus on addressing skills gaps; a new interactive facility on the LSIP website³ has created a neat way for businesses and providers to connect with each other; businesses have worked closely with colleges to help inform which facilities and technologies to invest in to ensure skills needs are met. 

The report also outlines areas of activity that will help build on what the project has already achieved. 

Whereas this report focuses on Surrey and North/Mid Hampshire, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have also published a Progress Report which focuses on the southern part of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Together, both reports give employers, providers and wider stakeholders an up-to-date insight into the skills system across the whole of Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Surrey. 

The two reports, and supporting documentation can be found here: 

Enterprise M3 (including all of Surrey) LSIP Progress Report Click Here

Solent LSIP Progress Report Click Here

I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for the Enterprise M3 (including all of Surrey) area. These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers. As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.” – The Minister for Skills, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern

We are pleased to publish this Progress Report, which helps to reflect the continued commitment and collaboration of our local employers, providers, and other stakeholders. Together, we are building a dynamic and responsive skills system that meets the needs of our vibrant economy. I am looking forward to continuing to work hand in hand to drive innovation, inclusivity, and growth across Surrey and beyond.” – CEO Surrey Chambers of Commerce, Louise Punter 

Working with our partners at Surrey Chamber we have comprehensive Skills Improvement Plans that respond directly to our employers’ needs across the area. We will continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to ensure future Skills needs and requirements are identified. The progress to date highlights a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenge identified built on a credible roadmap for achieving change. – CEO Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Ross McNally

1. The Local Skills Improvement Fund, LSIF, from the Department for Education.
2. The Innovation South Virtual Campus (ISVC) provides free access to over 30 different courses, designed and informed by skills needs identified by employers. Click here
3. The Future Skills Hub / Opportunities tab: Click here