ATTENDEES

Sub-Group Members:

Michael Maguire - Chairperson

Tom Gillen

Anne O’Neill

Raymond Mullan

Heather Stevens

Apologies

Gerry McGinn

1. Michael Maguire welcomed members to the first meeting of this recently established advisory Group. He drew attention to the agenda items indicating that agreement on these would set the scene for the future work of the Skills Sub-group.

Skills Strategy

2. Heather Stevens (DEL) delivered a presentation on the Skills Strategy that is currently being finalised. It was emphasised that the Strategy will be underpinned by work already underway in other areas of government activity. A number of major challenges were highlighted and the key areas of the Strategy explained. To date over 100 responses had been received during the consultative period and encouragingly the Strategy has been widely welcomed. A revised Strategy together with a detailed implementation plan is expected to be published in the autumn.

3. The following key points were noted;

– In recognising the importance of a move towards a ‘demand led’ system it was suggested that work in the ROI on the identification of future skills needs may present examples of good practice. This would be explored further at the next meeting.

– Members agreed that the existing network of organisations with an input to the skills agenda presented a confusing picture. Clarity on the roles, responsibilities and linkages would be required. Specifically members requested further information on the work of the Sector Skills Councils and the Skills Task Force.

– The intention to address Careers Education and Guidance as a priority area within the Skills Strategy was welcomed. The Skills Sub-group felt it was important to have further information on this important area of work at a future meeting.

– The need to address both economic and social imperatives was considered essential by the group. It was suggested that the needs of the disabled and the wider Equality interests receive a stronger emphasis in the final Skills Strategy.

Skills Sub-Group Role

4. The Chairperson referred the Group to the previously circulated paper on the role of the Vision Sub-groups. This discussion paper had been prepared and initially considered at a meeting of EDF Sub-group Chairs in April 2005. The Chairperson asked that a copy of the minutes be circulated to members.

5. Following discussion the following points were noted;

– Members fully endorsed the primary purpose and objectives for the Sub-groups. They welcomed the focus on implementation and the challenge function.

– The Sub-group accepted the suggestion that further representation from the private sector would add value. It was confirmed that this was permissible and would be debated further at the next meeting of the skills Sub-group.

– Members discussed the need to focus on a few priority areas where a difference could be made. Potential areas for further consideration included;

Leadership and Management

Skills Forecasting/Sectoral Needs

Careers Education and Guidance

FE Review

· Costello Recommendations

6. To progress these issues the Group agreed to meet again in advance of the June EDF meeting. Date to be confirmed.

ACTIONS:

– DEL to provide Sectoral Skills and ‘Skills Landscaping’ paper

– Secretariat to circulate minutes of EDF Sub-group Chairs Meeting