Sector Skills Councils

About Sector Skills Councils

Sector Skills Councils are independent bodies that help employers by ensuring that their workforce has the skills and knowledge it needs to meet the changing demands for learning, development and qualifications.

Lifelong Learning UK is one of 25 Sector Skills Councils all doing a similar job for different industries in the UK, and between us we cover around 90% of the economy.

The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils

The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils is a collective body made up of all 25 SSCs. Its purpose is to:

  • Act as the collective voice of the Sector Skills Councils
  • Promote understanding of the role of Sector Skills Councils within the skills system across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • Co-ordinate policy positions and strategic work on skills with stakeholders across the four home nations
  • Help build the performance capability of the Sector Skills Councils, to ensure they continue to work effectively on the employer-driven skills agenda 

For more information, follow this link to visit the Alliance's website. http://www.sscalliance.org.

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES)

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills, which was set up as part of the government's response to the Leitch Review of 2006, operates across the UK and plays a central role in raising the UK's skills base, improving productivity and competitiveness, increasing employment and making a contribution to a fairer society.

UKCES have set out a clear remit for us and all other Sector Skills Councils in:

  • Raising employer engagement, demand and investment in skills;
  • Ensuring authoritative labour market information for their sectors;
  • Developing national occupational standards and ensuring qualifications meet employer needs.

For more information about the UKCES please visit the UKCES website.