Cogent took the opportunity to set out its views on the most recent Skills White Paper Getting on in Business, Getting on in Work. Cogent Chief Executive John Ramsay said that the White Paper reinforced the role of Sector Skills Councils and emphasised the importance of Sector Skills Agreements.

Cogent welcomed the White Paper which strikes the balance between improving productivity and increasing individuals' social inclusion by improved employability.

John Ramsay added: “Cogent is pleased to see the proposed roll-out of the National Employer Training Programme delivering free, flexible training for vocational qualifications to the equivalent of five good GCSEs.

“I am also pleased to see the commitment to create a network of Skills Academies as sector-based centres of excellence, raising the status and quality of vocational education and training. It is heartening to see the Skills White Paper acknowledge that there is concern about the complexity of the skills landscape, and the promise of a simplified approach to brokerage and business support, under the direction of RDAs.

“We look forward to seeing the outcome of the Regional Skills Partnerships’ review and subsequent action to make greater accessibility a reality. Perhaps we could learn from what works well elsewhere. For example in Scotland the Executive functions don’t separate economic development and skills from enterprise and industry, whereas in England responsibility rests with a number of different departments. Cogent, like other SSCs, will of course, be keen to be involved in the brokerage functions, drawing on our local and sectoral knowledge and contacts.”