Securing skills for the future in Surrey

19th November 2025

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is excited to lead the next stage of Surrey’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and continue championing the needs of our community of businesses. The new phase allows us to deepen our engagement with employers and training providers, nurture meaningful partnerships, and help shape a workforce that is ready for the future.

Skills England has released the new LSIP guidance, driving us towards creating a new Skills plan for the next 3 years. The new strategy has been developed in response to insightful feedback from employers, strategic authorities and others, a collaboration of perspectives to help shape our future approach to skills development. A key modification is a change in geographic scope, as our new LSIP will shift from its partnership with north and mid Hampshire, to an independent Surrey focused LSIP.

As the Employer Representative Body (ERB) we will continue to work with Surrey County Council to understand the skills demands of our area. In addition to this collaboration, regular communication with Skills England will ensure appropriate guidance is offered and a thorough analysis is formed.

Though our mission is based on skills improvement in Surrey, the new phase of the LSIP is a key part of a greater ambition for the country. The government aim for young people is for two-thirds to partake in higher level learning by age 25. Due to the expansion of clear, locally driven pathways into higher-level technical and academic learning, the new LSIP is structured to help achieve this.

CEO of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, Louise Punter, says: “As we enter this exciting new phase for the LSIP, alongside Surrey County Council, we strive to deepen our relationships with employers and training providers in the local area. Consistent communication and collaboration are vital in ascertaining skills needs and supporting economic growth. The new guidelines allow us to set our focus and continue strengthening Surrey’s education and workforce.”

Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, said: “Local businesses and communities know best what skills they need to succeed. New Local Skills Improvement Plans will put employers, educators and authorities at the heart of identifying skills gaps and delivering the training that matters most to their area. By tailoring skills training to local needs, we will break down barriers to opportunity and help businesses and communities across England thrive.”