The Skills for Business Network equality and diversity project
Understanding the importance of equality and diversity issues is critical for Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) because of the strong business imperative in supporting diversity.
As the 'employer voice' on skills issues, the Skills for Business Network brings a demand-centred approach to improving productivity through skills. It therefore has the equality and diversity 'business case' at its heart. The network also has a high-level priority of 'increasing the opportunities for everyone in the sector's workforce'.
In 2006 the Skills for Business Network commissioned research on how SSCs are promoting workforce diversity.
"Sector Skills Councils, working with others, have a key role promoting 'what works' for employers in terms of diversity, while also tackling the skills infrastructure.
"They can make the case for diversity, support targeted training, and embed diversity strategically through occupational standards, qualifications frameworks and the labour market intelligence that shapes future priorities at sector-level."
The Network has just completed a review of all Sector Skills Agreements and has proposed solutions on how Sector Skills Councils can better address diversity.
