Creative Skillset, the skills body for the UK’s screen-based creative media and the Indie Training Fund (ITF), the membership body providing training to television production companies and freelancers, plan to merge.
This alliance will deliver an even closer partnership between the two organisations leading on skills and talent development for the UK’s television industry.
Richard Johnston, CEO of Endemol Shine UK and Creative Skillset’s Chair said: “Our TV and related sectors are thriving and in order to maintain our world leading position, generating huge value for the wider economy, a coherent and targeted skills strategy is essential.
"The merging of these two already complementary organisations makes great sense and will ultimately deliver a stronger and more strategic approach to meeting the training needs of the industry.”
Nick Catliff, Joint MD of Lion TV and the Indie Training Fund’s Chair commented: “This alliance between the ITF and Creative Skillset is great news for small and big indies, and for those working across TV and Film. The combined strengths of the two organisations will help to focus industry investment even more effectively on responding to changing skills needs.
“UK TV is world-class – but, in an increasingly competitive and complex market, we need to champion and maintain a highly skilled workforce while planning ahead to ensure we have the skills to support future success. ITF and Creative Skillset can now work even more closely together, and with industry partners, to meet our industries’ requirements.”