It is key that councils communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, from MPs and voluntary sector organisations to employers and members of the public. This can manifest in a range of different ways from top-down communications to complete co-production.
Places are encouraged to establish local partnership groups during the development of their investment plan to gain insight into local need. Government states in the UKSPF prospectus that comprehensive and balanced local partnerships will be a fundamental element of how the fund is administered locally and will form an essential part of monitoring and reporting.
Local authorities should place significant importance on clear communication and engagement is particularly important in making an impact to the local area.
- UKSPF has placed an importance on accessing local insights to identify need and opportunity for change. Expertise gained through local partnerships will be a core component for administering the fund. Lead local authorities are tasked with working with a diverse range of local and regional stakeholders, civil society organisations, employer bodies responsible for identifying local skills plans, and businesses or business representative groups to achieve fund outcomes in their areas.
- Local partners were responsible for supporting lead local authorities in creating their investment plans. Partners can provide advice on strategic fit and deliverability. This will ensure that fund investments complement other activities in the area and meets fund and local objectives.
