Issue 1
The Essex Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that we have been chosen by the Department for Education as lead for delivering the Essex LSIP, covering Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
The LSIP’s are being developed across England to provide employers with a voice and gain a perspective of the skills they need. We will be working with local employers and partners over the coming weeks and months to develop a plan to capture the skills needs and to identify the action-based solutions required to enable local colleges and skills providers to effectively meet that need.
In order to develop a clear picture of what is needed we will be reaching out to the business community via an Employers survey, one-to-one employer engagement meetings with the Chambers Employer Engagement team and Business Engagement Events – details can be found on our website. Working closely with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), other Chambers / Employer Representative Bodies (ERBs) and local authorities we will use the wealth of existing evidence available while also undertaking additional research – starting with an Employers survey.
We have also established an LSIP Board, which first met before Christmas and is continuing to expand. This Board will oversee development of the plan and ensure that local employers views are at the forefront. Representation also includes local authorities, colleges, providers and Job Centre Plus. Further information on the Board will be available soon.
Denise Rossiter, CEO of the Essex Chambers of Commerce said:
“The Essex Chamber of Commerce and Industry are proud to have been selected by the DfE to lead such an important agenda. Employers frequently tell us that they cannot recruit staff with the right skills for their business, this project will firmly put them in the driving seat. The LSIP will bring together employers and education providers to identify key priorities and solutions to ensure that Essex businesses get the skilled staff they need”
Andy Sparks, LSIP Director of the Essex Chambers of Commerce said:
“The time has come for a new approach to skills planning and the Essex LSIP is a fantastic opportunity for the Essex Chamber of Commerce & Industry to be at the centre of that evolution. Through this project we will bring together employers and providers to fully understand the skills needs of Essex and seek innovative solutions to bridge the gaps. We must ensure that the local workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed by employers to boost our economy in these difficult times”
The plan itself will be published by the DfE by May 2023 and Essex, Southend and Thurrock authorities have recently published skills reports / strategies which will feed into this and will also be published on our website.
The survey is a chance for all employers in Essex, Southend and Thurrock to get involved in the LSIP. Have your say! Your input will directly influence the development of the LSIP and ensure that we are accurately reflecting your requirements and views to providers and the Department for Education.
The information you provide will be analysed to inform the LSIP and we will also use this to collaborate with Skills and Education Providers, to ensure that the skills offer meets Essex’s needs.
The Survey consists of 20 questions which should take roughly 10 minutes to complete. We would very much appreciate your contributions.
The closing date for this is the 28th February 2023.
There is also an Enquiry Form for those who are keen to get involved. Please click here to complete and return it to us. This will let us know if you are keen to attend future engagement events, take part in discussions, or receive our regular e-bulletin.
We are also working with key Skills and Education Providers in Essex to develop the LSIP and ensure it meets Essex needs. So far this includes:
The Federation of Essex Colleges (FEDEC) which comprises of all the Essex based further education colleges.
The Essex Provider Network which has been set up with the specific aim of providing a single voice for all Essex based learning and training providers including Further Education Colleges with a focus on work-based learning.
Sector engagement events are starting to be held across Essex and we’d welcome your involvement in these. If you can’t make it but have information or input on the sectors, do contact us via the methods set out above. We’d love to hear from you!
November saw the first of the business engagement events, with the focus on aviation. This event was held at Stanste
d Airport college, with ten employers attending and key areas of feedback including;
Our second engagement event was held in January and focussed on Logistics. Held 
at the South Essex College, employers had an interesting discussion before enjoying a tour of the College. Key areas of feedback at this event included;
► Health & Social Care, Life Science & Med Tech - 2 February: Colchester Institute – Register to attend
►Professional Services – 8 February: The Sixth Form College Colchester - Register to attend
►Creative & Cultural - Chelmsford College - 9 February: Chelmsford College - Register to attend
► Construction & Retrofit - details to follow
► Life Science & Med Tech - details to follow
► Advance Manufacturing & Engineering - details to follow
► Sustainability & Low Carbon - details to follow
► Community & Voluntary - details to follow
► Agri Tech & Food Tech – Writtle College - more details to follow
Multiply – the Multiply programme has been established by the government to support adult numeracy skills and this will include a range of support across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
This includes everything from supporting children with homework to managing money and boosting work-based skills. Programmes are just commencing and support will run for three years.
Further information on programmes can found at:
www.essex.gov.uk/news/multiply-in-essex
Essex Careers Magazine – coming soon!
The soon to be published Essex Skills Plan highlighted the lack of awareness of key sectors in Essex and the opportunities within them.
This has led to the development of an all-age Essex Careers magazine which will showcase local sectors, employers, providers, colleges, support and opportunities.
The first edition will be published by February 2023 and will include a spotlight on construction. The magazine will be available as a reference copy in libraries, Job Centres, colleges and schools and will also be available digitally via www.essexopportunities.co.uk