What is a Sector Skills Council?

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, employer-led organisations responsible for tackling the skills and productivity needs of their industry sectors UK-wide. SSCs aim to increase the competitiveness of the sectors they represent by:

• Conducting research and informing of future skills gaps and shortages.
• Improved productivity, business and public service performance.
• Increased opportunities to boost the skills and productivity of the sector.
• Industry skills recognition (National Occupational Standards, qualification strategies, Apprenticeship frameworks).

SSCs are licensed by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), in consultation with Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) is responsible for funding and monitoring the performance of SSCs.

Approximately 90 percent of the UK economy is currently covered by an SSC. The UKCES has responsibility for providing cover for those industries that fall outside the SSCs.

For further information about Sector Skills Councils please visit the UKCES website.