𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 (𝗟𝗦𝗜𝗣𝘀), launched in January 2021, empowered businesses in England, especially SMEs, to have a strong voice in local skills planning as they were led by local Chambers of Commerce. The LSIPs aimed to ensure skills provision is responsive to local needs and opportunities.

LSIPs are due for renewal from April / May 2025, and the indications are that a business-led approach will continue.

𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙧𝙨: In March 2022 I reviewed the eight trailblazer (pilot) LSIPs: Cumbria, Kent and Medway, Lancashire, Leicester and Leicestershire, South Yorkshire, Sussex, Tees Valley, and West of England Plus.

The key insights I made from this review of trailblazer LSIPS included:

**Objectives and Approach:**
LSIPs aim to provide employer insights for improved local skills and outcomes.
Methods included surveys, focus groups, and consultations, despite tight timelines.

**Common Themes:**
The need for skills such as literacy, numeracy, and digital capabilities was highlighted.
Acute recruitment needs exist in sectors like manufacturing and social care.
Perceptions about industries need updating to attract talent.

**Adding Value:**
Trailblazer insights suggest building on existing good practices and fostering a responsive skills system.
Formal employer involvement is essential for evolution, not revolution.

**Lessons and Recommendations:**
Effective employer engagement by Chambers of Commerce was noted.
Future improvements include better funding coordination and dealing with geographic mismatches.

Trailblazer LSIPs provided valuable insights into employer-led skills development.

The economy, and labour market is dynamic so there’s a need to keep the LSIPs up to date. LSIPs are living documents, vital for evolving skills provision in line with business needs.