Dear Skills England
An open letter to 'a new arms-length body that will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade'.
You may remember Gareth Southgate’s letter to England fans before the Euros in 2021 and the positive reaction it received. His ‘everybody’s hearts are in the right place’ message to players and fans alike come to our mind as we watch the emergence of Skills England, into a landscape in which local and combined authorities are looking for ever better ways to build their workforces for the future—including implementing their Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs)—as well as making good on their climate action plans, economic development strategies and whatever other initiatives they may have that call for good, skilled people.
Therefore, please forgive our indulgence: we thought it might be useful to explore this through an open letter—à la GS—to Skills England on their behalf.
It has been an extremely difficult few years. Our communities have been directly affected by isolation, economic shifts, and the mounting pressure of a world facing new environmental and skills challenges. But we’ve also seen countless examples of hope and resilience, and of people coming together to protect what matters. That’s why we’re writing to you today, Skills England, because what we’re talking about is bigger than any single initiative or funding line. It’s about building a workforce for the future—a future where everyone has a chance to be part of a green, thriving economy.
That’s something we tell our local teams every time we look at the challenge of green skills, and it’s something we believe deeply. This isn’t just about addressing skills shortages. It’s about giving people the chance to create lives and careers they’ll be proud of. It’s about building a green economy that people can believe in.
When we think about your role, Skills England, we think of the opportunity to support moments that will be remembered for generations. The work we do together could be felt in every corner of England, from the largest cities to the smallest towns, through the lives we change, the futures we make possible. You are representing a commitment to over 50 million people who are ready for a sustainable economy.
Skills England, we’ve come a long way in understanding what we need at our local level. Many of us remember the first time we put pen to paper on our Climate Action Plans, setting ambitious goals for carbon neutrality. We remember the hours spent collaborating on Economic Development Strategies, and the new path laid out by Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). We’re ready. But we can’t do it alone.
What we need from you
As a local authority, we are dedicated to promoting economic growth, improving employability, and driving innovation in line with the objectives set out in our LSIP. For us to effectively address current and future skills shortages, we seek the following from Skills England.
Firstly, we need funding that fit local landscapes. Funding streams need to be flexible so that we can tailor them to the diverse needs of our communities. Resources that reach the parts of the economy that need it most, whether in digital tech, healthcare, or green industries. This isn’t just about today’s jobs—it’s about inspiring careers that last, that mean something to the people we serve.
Many local authorities have declared climate emergencies, and we’re working to lead our communities toward carbon neutrality. So, next, we need Skills England to commit to green skills and sustainability: to champion green skills and to help us build a workforce ready for the future. Renewable energy, sustainable construction, retrofitting, the circular economy—this isn’t merely buzz. They’re real opportunities for our citizens, and they need your support to become reality.
To build a resilient, future-ready workforce, we need the best possible data on labour market trends and employer needs. Therefore, we’re looking to Skills England to collaborate with us on data-driven decision-making by providing the insights, the toolkits, and the guidance on emerging roles that align with the net zero transition. Together, we can make investments in skills training that are evidence-based, reflecting future trends in automation, AI, and green industries.
Our promise in return
As local authorities, we’re committed to the success of this partnership and the vision it holds. We promise to bring our leadership, our resources, and our deep-rooted connections with local communities to bear, making sure that the skills agenda reaches every corner of our regions.
We’ll continue to provide local leadership and coordination, working side by side with businesses, education providers, and communities to identify and meet the skills needs of today and tomorrow. Through our LSIPs, we’re laying out clear pathways to sustainable employment and entrepreneurship, making sure that our local colleges and universities are engaged and equipped to drive forward green skills development. With Skills England as a key partner, we’ll ensure our regions are on track to meet their goals.
Our communities are rich with potential, and we’re here to promote inclusive growth and to make sure that everyone—especially those who’ve often been left behind—has access to high-quality training and meaningful career opportunities. We’re targeting underserved groups: young people seeking their first job, the long-term unemployed, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our aim is not just to help them find work but to give them a future to believe in, a chance at a fulfilling, resilient career that allows them to thrive.
We’ve seen the impacts of climate change, and we’re determined to continue championing climate action through skills development. As we work toward our climate goals, we’ll continue to implement skills initiatives in green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and low-carbon industries. We believe in weaving sustainability into every facet of skills development, ensuring that our workforce is prepared for a green economy and that the principles of environmental stewardship are at the heart of everything we do. With Skills England’s backing, we can make this commitment a reality across our communities.
Skills England, stand with us
We know that each region has its own character, its own unique challenges and strengths. We ask you to honour that individuality by working closely with us, ensuring that national strategies can adapt to local needs, that regional voices are not only heard but central to the decision-making process. Together, we can build on the structures and relationships already in place, strengthening them to meet the ambitions we share.
In the journey we’re undertaking, short-term solutions won’t be enough. We need long-term, sustainable investment in workforce development, especially in sectors like clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Our communities need the assurance that these investments will continue to grow, aligned not only with today’s challenges but with the future demands of a green economy. As local authorities, we’ve already invested our own resources, leveraging s106 and CIF funds to support skills initiatives. Now, we ask Skills England to commit alongside us, helping us extend and deepen this work.
True partnership calls for transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility. We’re asking Skills England to work with us openly, providing clear metrics and regular updates so we can measure our progress together. And just as importantly, we’re asking for opportunities to give feedback, to make sure that our shared goals are met and that our communities feel the impact of this work.
In the words of Gareth Southgate, this isn’t just about results; it’s about how we conduct ourselves, how we inspire, and how we unite. The stakes are high, and the future we’re building is one that will be remembered. Let’s create something remarkable—an England where every region, every town, and every individual has the chance to be part of a greener, fairer economy.
We look forward to the journey with you.
