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Employment and skills commission questions FSSC

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12th May 2009
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The Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has decided not to extend the licence of the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) beyond its existing level; a move which the FSSC called ‘entirely unfounded’.

Sector skills councils (SSCs) are employer led organisations sponsored by the government which aim to reduce skills gaps and shortages in their industries and improve access to learning for workforces.

While the UKCES approved applications for a further trademark licence to operate for four SSCs, it said the FSSC did not meet the required the standard. The organisation’s role and strategy will be subject to a review which will be completed by the autumn, at which point ministers will make a decision on the position of the FSSC licence. In the meantime, the existing licence will be extended to allow the review to take place.

In a statement released this week, Teresa Sayers, chief executive of the FSSC criticised the move as being ‘inappropriate’ and ‘backward looking’, saying: “The National Audit Office produced its own detailed and comprehensive report four months ago recognising significant improvements in the way the FSSC operates. It identified no critical failures…given this assessment, the UK Commission’s decision is inexplicable and inappropriate”.

Skills secretary John Denham justified the decision by saying: “I am confident that the proposed review for FSSC provides the right direction for securing the changing skills needs of the finance sector. This comprehensive assessment process will assist in raising standards even further, and ensure that SSCs have the confidence and support of employers in their sector”.

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