Skills for Health is entering an important phase as we look to build on the work we are already doing to meet the changing needs of employers across the health sector.
The Leitch Review and Skills Strategies throughout the UK have reinforced and repositioned the role of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). Skills for Health has continued to work closely with partners and stakeholders to take forward the Sector Skills Agreement for Health (SSA), which sets out the actions needed to develop and improve the skills and productivity of the health sector workforce in the UK.
As part of the SSA in England we have brokered an entirely new arrangement, the Joint Investment Framework (JIF), between all the Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). This will bring in an extra £100 million of funding per annum on a three-year rolling basis, (subject to annual review), to address healthcare skills needs. The Framework also supports the Skills Pledge which Skills for Health has signed to demonstrate our commitment to developing the skills of our own staff.
To support the implementation of the Joint Investment Framework a new England-wide Health Sector Strategic Alliance (HSSA) has been formed with representation from the SHAs, the LSC, Skills for Health and sector employers.
This year also saw the completion of a key element of the SSA, the Sector Qualification Strategy which sets out a strategy for the development of qualifications specifically designed to meet the needs of the health sector.
In April 2008 we welcome the arrival of the Commission for Employment and Skills. The Commission gives us the opportunity to consider a fully integrated approach for the whole skills system. This is a huge step forward, and Skills for Health looks forward to working with the Commission as our regulator and partner.
John Rogers
Chief Executive, Skills for Health
