04/04/2008
The South West has become the first region in the country to have all of its NHS Trusts sign the Skills Pledge. In doing so, all 41 of the NHS Trusts spanning the South West have made a commitment to enhance the level of health care services in the region by encouraging and supporting its employees to develop their basic literacy and numeracy skills.
The signing of the Skills Pledge, part of a plan to equip Britain's workforce for the future and develop world-class skills by 2020, has been driven by a Joint Investment Framework (JIF) between the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the NHS South West Strategic Health Authority and Skills for Health. The partnership is focused on developing skills, learning and qualifications among NHS employees.
Malcolm Gillespie, South West Regional Director at the LSC, said: "The NHS in the South West has made a very open and demonstrable commitment to supporting its employees to gain the skills and qualifications required to ensure the high level of health services delivery in the region is maintained."
NHS Chief Executive Sir Ian Carruthers said the partnership will equip staff with the skills set required to ensure the NHS continues to deliver a world-class level of service. "Our decision to sign the Skills Pledge underlines our commitment to improving the skills and opportunities for the people working for the NHS in the region. It shows we are focused on developing a skilled workforce which provides an unrivalled level of healthcare service in the South West."
Jonathan Evans, Regional Director of the South West at Skills for Health, who helps to develop solutions in the delivery of skills in the health sector, said "The drive to improve the skills and competences of the region's health sector workforce is essential. The framework involving the NHS, the LSC and Skills for Health is a huge step forward in the provision of sustained skills training opportunities."
The JIF will also be focused on funding the skills development and qualifications at Levels 2, 3 and 4, Apprenticeships and Skills for Life.
What is the Skills Pledge?
The Skills Pledge is a voluntary commitment by the Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer (or other board member) of a organisation to support all its employees to develop their basic literacy and numeracy skills to read more click here
To read more on the skills pledge and the guidance for health sector employers in England click here
Want to know more?
Contact Jonathan Evans
