The Devon and Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has published its Summer 2025 Progress Report – a detailed account of how employers, educators, and regional leaders are transforming the skills system to meet the future head-on.
Spanning one of the UK’s largest and most diverse geographies, the LSIP continues to drive momentum behind a shared vision: a responsive, employer-led, and inclusive skills ecosystem.
This latest report captures what has already been achieved, where progress is accelerating, and what comes next as the region prepares to split into two locally focused LSIPs for Greater Devon and Somerset in Autumn 2025.
What is a Local Skills Improvement Plan?
In autumn 2022, employer representative bodies (ERBs) were designated to lead the development of local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) for all 38 areas of the country. Each plan provides an agreed set of actionable priorities that employers, providers and other stakeholders in a local area can get behind to drive change.
LSIPs were approved by the Secretary of State for Education in summer 2023, in line with the approval criteria set out in the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 and in accordance with the LSIP statutory guidance. In June 2025, each area produced an annual progress report setting out:
- Which of the actions or changes in the LSIP had been achieved
- The impact and benefits of those actions or changes
- What still needed to be achieved in their area
The LSIPs and annual progress reports have been published on the designated ERB websites.
All employer representative body designations came into effect on 5 September 2022, with the exception of Cheshire and Warrington, and Liverpool City Region, where the designations came into effect on 20 October 2022 and 29 August 2024 respectively.
A Skills Plan Powered by Business
This is a plan shaped not just for employers – but by them.
“The Local Skills Improvement Plan isn’t just about education; it’s about business and whether our region is prepared for the future we claim to want,” says Richard Marsh, Interim CEO of the Devon Chamber of Commerce.
“Employers haven’t just contributed to the plan; they’ve powered it. From shaping modular training to co-designing bootcamps and mentoring new talent, business has stopped waiting and started building.
“We’ve already seen what’s possible. Thousands of learners across Devon and Somerset have benefited from LSIF-funded programmes and cutting-edge equipment. We made a clear decision to streamline skills access because six separate portals were six too many. And regional labour market data has been turned into action, not just spreadsheets.
“But we can’t afford to lose momentum. In a world that’s moving fast, standing still means falling behind.”
Key Priorities in Action
The report tracks progress against 20 strategic priorities. Here are just a few where the region is setting the pace:
📌 Priority 1: Real Employer Voice
The LSIP’s Employer Representative Body (ERB) Steering Board brings together over 10 senior leaders from sectors including engineering, aerospace and tech. Meeting bi-monthly, this board ensures that employer insights directly shape post-16 provision – from policy influence to programme design.
📌 Priority 2: Rethink Days
Themed collaboration days have brought employers and educators together to solve shared problems. One standout outcome? The launch of a single signposting hub in January 2025 to streamline access to skills and training – replacing a confusing patchwork of regional platforms.
Another breakthrough has been around improving gender inclusion in STEM and construction. A Somerset returners programme originally designed for 50 women exceeded expectations and supported over 100 participants – earning national attention.
📌 Priority 3: From Data to Action
Through the LSIP’s Labour Market Information dashboard, powered by Marchmont Observatory, more than 150 users now access real-time insights on regional skills demand. This data is being used to reimagine training delivery and curriculum planning.
“The opportunity for providers to access relevant and up-to-date labour market information is a huge step forward,” says Sharon Robbie MBE, MD of the Devon & Cornwall Training Provider Network.
📌 Priority 6: One Front Door
Employers, especially SMEs, made it clear they wanted a human solution, not more digital confusion. The LSIP’s “single point of contact” model now blends AI-driven insights with personal support, with Devon Chamber’s new signposting platform leading the way.
📌 Priority 10: Modular Training That Works
From green skills to leadership, modular training is helping learners fit learning around real life. Early pilots such as a peer-to-peer microcredential in leadership have demonstrated the demand for short, stackable courses designed around business needs – especially for time-poor SMEs.
Impact in Numbers
- 1,400+ learners completed Wave 5 Skills Bootcamps in Devon
- 2,000+ learners reached via Somerset LSIF investments
- 400+ delegates attended the January 2025 Skills Summit
- 15,000+ individuals engaged in digital upskilling activities
- 12,000+ apprenticeships started in 2022/23 across Devon and Somerset
The Road Ahead
As the LSIP prepares to evolve into two area-based plans for Greater Devon and Somerset, the region is not starting again – it’s building on solid foundations.
But the report is clear: there’s more to do.
🔸 The South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) must now move from vision to visible delivery – with stronger employer engagement, consistent qualifications, and greater learner uptake.
🔸 Access in rural and coastal communities must improve, with a renewed focus on outreach, signposting, and digital connectivity.
🔸 Mentoring infrastructure for apprenticeships and entry-level workers needs to be scaled, particularly for SMEs struggling with retention.
🔸 A modular training framework, clearly branded and regionally aligned, must be in place by 2026 to enable learners to build pathways from Entry Level to Levels 4 and 5.
“At City College Plymouth, we are proud to be at the forefront of this collaborative effort,” says Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive and Principal.
“By embracing the LSIP’s objectives, we are not only enhancing our students’ employability but also contributing to the prosperity of Plymouth and the wider South West region.”
The Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, added: “I am pleased to see the progress being made to bring these Local Skills Improvement Plans to life.
“We remain committed to the LSIP model as part of our Plan for Change, and have strengthened the role that Mayors and Strategic Authorities will play in identifying and addressing the local skills issues in the plans.
“Skills England will work hand-in-hand with businesses, education providers, Mayors and Strategic Authorities, unions, and other bodies to tackle skills shortages, co- creating solutions to ensure more opportunities for young people and existing workers wherever they are based in the country.”
Get Involved
The LSIP’s call to action is simple: If you’re not involved yet, now is the time.
Employers can play a role by:
- Offering work experience or apprenticeships
- Contributing to curriculum development
- Joining events, panels or employer networks
- Supporting bootcamps or mentoring schemes
