Susie Donkin, Employability Partnership Manager at the Improvement Service, looks back at a packed 2025 for employability work across Scotland.
It was a busy December for Local Employability Partnerships (LEPs) with the publication of the Employability Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 Annual Report and a series of workshops and partnership events to highlight some of the key activities.
Local Government colleagues, along with representatives from Scottish Government (SG), the third sector, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Public Health Scotland (PHS) and many other partners, have been involved in producing tools and documents to help strengthen the employability system across Scotland.
The Good Practice Guidance for Commissioning Employability Services in Scotland document was developed by a cross-sectoral working group to share best practice and support fairer processes for all parties. Two workshops were held for partners on LEPs who are involved in commissioning, and a separate upskilling session was held for colleagues in the Scottish Government Employability Division. A recording of the workshop is available on request.
The Local Employability Partnership Framework was refreshed and published, again, through collaborative working with the key stakeholders – local government, SG, SDS, DWP, third sector and health. A workshop to promote the changes attracted over 220 LEP members from across the country, who were all committed to strengthening their local partnerships.
To support stronger and more consistent messaging of employability provision, the cross-sector Employability Communications Group has developed introductory paragraphs for use across digital platforms and other marketing materials, along with some recommendations for more user-friendly materials. This working group is delighted to have two lived-experience members who are very valuable in sharing their thoughts and feeding back on what we need to do better.
And to round off the year, a national event bringing together partners from across all 32 local authority areas, and from all key partners, was held in Glasgow. Over 150 representatives took part in a day of sharing best practice, seeking support for challenges and gathering inspiration from other areas.
Thematic discussions on topics included: How are we measuring success and ensuring value for money? What does a mixed economy of provision look like? How can we better use data and evidence to support future planning? and What can we learn from the people who use our services?
The day gave lots of food for thought and raised a few more questions for consideration at the next event. You can read the feedback from the event.
More information
For further information on the work of the cross-sectoral working groups or national employability activity, contact the National Employability Partnership Manager, Susie Donkin, susie.donkin@improvementservice.org.uk