UKCES

This paper recognises that there are six major underlying causes of employer calls for simplification of the skills system:

• Difficulties of finding/accessing the right parts of the system when needed;
• Complexity of programmes/initiatives, with constant new announcements and changes;
• Restrictive constraints on initiatives, leading to unmet employer expectations;
• Excessive bureaucracy for those employers who do engage with the system;
• Complexity of organisations and structures, all seeking to communicate with employers;
• Constant change meaning that employers cannot keep track of what is on offer.

Talking to employers working with the post-compulsory training and skills system makes it clear that any serious approach to simplification must really address all of these problems if employer complaints are to be significantly reduced or eliminated.

The proposals the UK Commission is making at this stage are concerned with ‘hiding the wiring’ – making it much easier for employers to find and obtain the support they need, and concealing complexity behind the scenes within the different government agencies and delivery organisations.

If you would like to receive a hard copy please email ukces@prolog.uk.com quoting the full report title, the reference number 00488-2009BKT-EN and a full postal address. Copies will be distributed free of charge whilst stocks last. Please note there is a five copy limit per person.