Employer‑led skills planning delivers real results – and sets the direction for future growth

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A major new national report has highlighted the transformational impact of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), showing how employer‑led collaboration is reshaping skills provision, supporting productivity and unlocking long‑term economic growth across England.

Published by the British Chambers of Commerce, Delivering Growth: Four Years of LSIP Impact provides the first comprehensive picture of how LSIPs are working in practice – and why they are now recognised as a proven framework for aligning skills provision with labour‑market demand.

LSIPs bring businesses together with further and higher education, training providers and strategic partners to ensure the skills system reflects the real needs of local economies. The report shows that this employer‑led approach has already delivered tangible change, including improved collaboration between education and business, new and updated provision, and increased employer engagement with the skills system.

Across England, LSIPs are demonstrating that when employers are placed at the heart of skills planning, the system becomes more responsive, better coordinated and more effective.

Local impact and momentum

In Kent & Medway, the Local Skills Improvement Plan is led by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce as the designated Employer Representative Body. Developed through extensive engagement with employers, the current LSIP sets out clear priorities focused on sectors such as construction, manufacturing and engineering, and food and land‑based industries, alongside cross‑cutting themes including digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Delivery of these employer‑defined priorities has been supported through investment via the Skills Development Fund and the Local Skills Improvement Fund, with further education colleges in Kent & Medway already securing circa £8M of funding to support changes aligned directly to the LSIP. This has enabled targeted investment in provision, facilities and teaching capability, helping ensure training better reflects the needs of employers and the regional economy.

A platform for future growth

Looking ahead, the report is clear that LSIPs have significant potential to deliver even greater impact. Government has already recognised their success, announcing plans to extend LSIPs across higher skill levels and strengthen collaboration with strategic authorities and universities.

The findings also highlight how the LSIP model could support wider priorities such as careers guidance, youth employment, business productivity and innovation — providing a trusted, scalable approach to employer engagement and delivery.

Tudor Price, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This report shows that Local Skills Improvement Plans are working – delivering tangible benefits for employers, providers and learners.

“Crucially, it also highlights the opportunity ahead. If we are to fully capitalise on the progress already made, continuity of funding will be key, giving partners the confidence to plan, invest and deliver over the longer term.

“With sustained support, LSIPs can continue to play a central role in supporting productivity, growth and opportunity across regions like Kent and Medway.”

The full report, Delivering Growth: Four Years of LSIP Impact, is available from the British Chambers of Commerce.