As Essex continues its journey toward devolution, we remain on track for a directly elected mayor by May 2026. While discussions continue around the scope of mayoral responsibilities, one thing is clear: the region must be ready to seize the opportunities that devolution will bring.
This summer, we are working closely with unitary authorities across Essex, Essex County Council (ECC), and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure our systems, strategies, and services are aligned and future-ready. This collaborative effort is not only about preparing for change—it’s about shaping it. By actively participating in these conversations, we can better understand potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to building a robust and responsive skills system. Key partners including the Federation of Essex Colleges (FEDEC) and the Essex Provider Network (EPN) are playing a vital role in driving forward the priorities outlined in our shared action plan.
Together, we are focused on:
- Strengthening workforce development
- Enhancing skills provision
- Improving employment support systems
The purpose of the LSIP
- Align Skills with Local Needs - LSIPs aim to ensure that the skills being taught by further education (FE) colleges, universities, and training providers match the actual needs of local employers and industries.
- Employer-Led Planning - They place employers at the heart of the local skills system. Lead the development of LSIPs to reflect real business needs.
- Actionable Priorities - Sets out a clear, evidence-based set of actionable priorities for improving skills provision in a specific area.
It is important to note that even with devolution, these will remain our priorities.