The Learning and Skills Councils Annual Report and Accounts for ...

Our Working Practices
Stakeholder
communications
The LSC has worked effectively with
a large number of partners and
stakeholders, based on two-way
communication and an open and
transparent approach.
Colleges and training
providers
In the last year, we have worked
alongside all LSC-funded providers to
ensure that they are informed about –
and involved in – our programmes and
the policy decisions behind them.
Through close working with the
FE Reputation Group and the FE
Communications Gateway Panel, we
have ensured more effective provider
communications to providers, provider
groups and the FE sector as whole.
We have enjoyed good working
relationships and offered support and
guidance in joint activities to individual
providers as well as to provider
representative groups.
Employers
Our relationship with employers
became increasingly important,
reflected in the time and effort taken
to develop effective channels and
communications and share ideas
and approaches.
Employer engagement continues
through the dedicated National
Employer Service, and with other
employers through programmes such
as the National Apprenticeship Service
and Train to Gain.
Our staff worked with employers at a
national, regional and local level, and
maintained one-to-one relationships
with key employers and organisations
that represent them.
We had regular meetings with groups
such as the CBI, the Institute of
Directors, the British Chambers of
Commerce and the Federation of Small
Businesses, and attended and spoke
at relevant employer conferences and
seminars. We also regularly consulted
with employers on key areas of
learning and skills delivery.
Third sector
We worked closely with a range of
third sector stakeholders, as providers
and employers and as a source of
expertise and valuable feedback
on learning and skills delivery,
particularly to underrepresented and
disadvantaged groups.
Opinion formers
We have maintained regular contact
with a small number of individuals
who have been identified as being
particularly interested in our work.
Communication with business and
education leaders, politicians and
representative groups was through
small discussion forums and seminars,
face-to-face meetings and specialist
newsletters.
Learners
Learners played an integral role in
how we shaped our work, our policies
and our approach. Advice was sought
through the National Learner Panel,
which acted as the voice of the
learner. The panel was made up of
independent volunteers involved in all
aspects of FE, giving learners a voice at
national level.
Other partners
We worked with a range of delivery
partners in different sectors.
Equality and
diversity
As a public sector organisation,
promoting equal opportunities has
been one of our core responsibilities –
both in the way we treat our own staff
and in the standards that we apply to
and demand of the learning and skills
sector. We have had a statutory duty
to report annually on our actions and
progress towards equality and diversity.
Our Single Equality Scheme was
published in 2007, placing the
commitment to equality and diversity
at the heart of everything we do.
In 2008–09 we commissioned an
external review of our progress. The
findings from the review indicated that
the LSC has been at the forefront of
addressing equality and diversity, has
been perceived as a good role model in
the learning and skills sector and has
had significant impact and influence.
Leadership and Governance
LSC Annual Report and Accounts 2009–10 13