This year, ScreenSkills renewed focus on policy and public affairs, working across industries and government to help further support opportunities to grow the UK screen production and its workforce. We're taking a look at some of the recent updates.
Creative Industries Sector Plan
In June, the Government published its long-awaited Creative Industries Sector Plan. We were pleased to see the Government back calls for the creation of a Creative Freelance Champion. They also referenced our Sizing Up report published in April. ScreenSkills is working with Government and other stakeholders on the details of the sector plan including the Government’s ambition to work with industry to develop skills passports.
Children’s TV Inquiry
This month we responded to the CMS Committee’s inquiry into Children’s TV. The inquiry looked at the provision of Children’s TV and video content in the UK – the primary question was what can be done to ensure future generations have access to high-quality British made programming. As the industry-endorsed skills body for the screen sector and operating the skills funds for animation and live action children’s TV, we not only have an insight into the training across the sector but also the production of content specifically aimed at children. One key message from our submission is that for long-term sustainable growth to be realised skills must form a part of any future funding decisions.
Labour Party Conference
This year has marked a renewed focus by ScreenSkills on policy. Our policy and advocacy work is focused on delivering change to support the UK’s skilled screen workforce and industry. Later this month Laura Mansfield, CEO and Emelia Quist, Head of Policy and Public Affairs will attend Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Laura will take part in a Creative UK panel event Making Work, Work? Fairer Futures for Creative Freelancers and the Creator Economy with Bectu, YouTube, Directors UK and Labour MPs.
Skills moves to DWP
The Government has confirmed that apprenticeships, skills, training and careers policy, and Skills England, will now sit under the remit of the Department for Work and Pensions, rather than the Department for Education as previously. Responsibility for higher education, and further education, skills, training, and careers for those aged 19 years and under will remain with the Department for Education. These changes are effective immediately.