30 June 2025
A report highlighting the progress made on the ambitions of the South London annex to the pan London Local Skills Improvement plan has been published today.
In shaping the South London Local Skills Improvement Plan businesses, employers, and key stakeholders have universally welcomed the opportunity to develop a more tailored and localised approach to skills. The South London annex builds on many of the issues identified with the pan London Local Skills Improvement Plan LSIP, but also responds to the specific challenges and opportunities for the existing and future workforce within the SLP sub region. It highlights five priority sectors in the region and cross-cutting themes that are vital for continued economic growth in the region including construction, health and care, hospitality and retail, ICT and communications and education. As well as the cross-cutting themes of digital, working with employers, inclusion, green skills.
The 2025 progress report highlights the significant progress made by organisations across South London to better connect the skills system with employers and meet the needs highlighted by them as identified within the plan.
Matthew Hamilton, Director of South London Partnership said: “The South London LSIP Progress Report 2025 highlights our collective efforts and notable advancements in enhancing the skills and employment landscape. By acknowledging shifts in national and regional policies, we have showcased South London’s agility and responsiveness to employers’ needs. This has equipped our residents with the necessary skills to excel in the workplace, fostering economic growth and opportunities within South London.”
Mark Hilton, Policy Delivery Director at BusinessLDN said “BusinessLDN is proud to be working with South London Partnership on the London Local Skills Improvement Plan. The level and breadth of progress being made across South London is impressive, with initiatives like their Retrofit Skills Programme playing a critical role in building the workforce needed for a net-zero future while addressing local skills needs.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “I am pleased to see the progress being made to bring these Local Skills Improvement Plans to life. We remain committed to the LSIP model as part of our Plan for Change and have strengthened the role that Mayors and Strategic Authorities will play in identifying and addressing the local skills issues in the plans. Skills England will work hand-in-hand with businesses, education providers, Mayors and Strategic Authorities, unions, and other bodies to tackle skills shortages, co- creating solutions to ensure more opportunities for young people and existing workers wherever they are based in the country.”
The delivery of the Local Skills Improvement Plan is part of a commitment by the South London Partnership and South London Skills and Employment Alliance to boost improving the skills and employment system in South London and to build a strong sustainable economy across Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton. Despite the progress made on improving the skills and employment system and connecting residents to the skills employers need there is much still to do.
Show your support for collective action on improving the skills and employment system by signing the South London Skills and Employment Partnership Charter, or get in touch with the team at admin@southlondonpartnership.co.uk to tell us you’d like to hear more about events and opportunities for your business.
