Response to Scottish Government Skills Strategy

Scottish Business in the Community (SBC) welcomes the publication of the Government’s Skills Strategy (10^th September 2007).

SBC is a member-led, not-for-profit organisation committed to the promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility across Scotland. Membership of SBC includes over 90 of the country’s largest employers.

Samantha Barber, Chief Executive of SBC, commented on the Skills Strategy.

“It is encouraging to see employability skills given a greater emphasis. This is essential to address inequalities in our society. Business has a crucial and a unique role to play in delivering employability skills.”

“SBC has seen a growing commitment amongst member companies to practically engage with the public sector to address the issue and unite education and employability.”

SBC’s Employability Leadership Group was formed to look at employability, the needs of employers and employees and how these can be harnessed for the long term economic sustainability of Scotland.

The Chair of the Leadership Group is John McElwee, Regional Head of Human Resources for Marks and Spencer. 

Commenting on the Skills Strategy, Mr McElwee said: “Employers understand what employability really means in practical terms and how it can deliver better socio-economic cohesion across Scotland. The SBC Employability Leadership Group is dedicated to finding business-led solutions and best practice in order to deliver long-term, sustainable outcomes. ”