The CBI Scotland People and Skills Network has been re-stablished at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s skills system.
Major reforms are reshaping how skills are planned, funded and delivered. The Tertiary Education and Training Bill has now passed the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Funding Council has an expanded remit on skills and responsibility for national training programmes, including apprenticeships.
A changing skills landscape
Qualification Scotland has launched with a mission to review every qualification and ask a simple question: is it fit for purpose? At the same time, UK-wide changes such as the Employment Rights Act will directly affect how employers recruit, manage and retain their workforce.
Alongside this reform agenda, we continue to hear consistent concerns from members about skills gaps, workforce availability, apprenticeship funding and the need for Apprenticeship Levy reform. Businesses want a system that is flexible, demand led and aligned with the real economy.
The People and Skills Network brings employers together to shape CBI Scotland’s policy positions, stress test government reform and showcase practical solutions from business on skills, apprenticeships and the future workforce.
What the People and Skills Network can offer you:
- Shape policy
Influence CBI Scotland’s positions on skills reform, apprenticeships, labour market participation and workforce policy. - Stay ahead
Understand and debate major reforms across skills, education and employment before they land. - Peer insight
Share challenges and solutions with senior people, HR and workforce leaders across sectors. - Direct engagement
Engage with Scottish Government, UK Government, public body agencies and senior CBI leaders on live policy issues.
Who we are looking for
- Senior leaders from CBI member organisations with responsibility for people, skills or workforce strategy.
- HR, people, skills and policy leaders with practical insight into recruitment, training and retention.
- Members willing to inform and challenge policy with real world experience.
What you can expect
The network meets periodically through the year. Sessions include:
- Briefings from the CBI team on skills, labour market and employment policy
- Roundtable discussion on live business and policy challenges
- Opportunities to engage directly with policymakers and delivery bodies
For further details or questions, contact Chris Kelly, Head of Policy, CBI Scotland for more information.