This first meeting for the newly formed Lincolnshire & Rutland Employment and Skills Board focused upon 'setting the scene' for the newly appointed members.

Board Members had been appointed following a rigorous recruitment process, with Board appointments being advertised in the local press across Lincolnshire and Rutland.

Board Meetings will also be attended by representatives of all the major 'investors' in Employment and Skills in the area - for example, Jobcentreplus, Learning and Skills Council and both Lincolnshire and Rutland County Councils.

The Board received a presentation by Adam Peacock of the Lincolnshire Research Observatory setting out the economic profile of Lincolnshire - especially in relation to employment and skills. Other briefings to the Board were given by John Kearsey of Jobcentreplus and Mike Crosby of the Learning and Skills Council.

The Board supported the commissioning to Lincolnshire Research Observatory of an initial, detailed Employer Skills Survey. The Board also supported the Project Manager in joining a partnership initiative to tackle the unique employment and skills challenges of the Lincolnshire Coast - especially in relation to continuing employment / business opportunities in Adult Social Care.

Finally the Board agreed a schedule of meetings and meeting protocols. It was agreed that Board Meetings should not become a 'talking shop', but rather operate with short agendas, allowing members time to discuss prioritised, substantive issues that will make a difference to the Lincolnshire and Rutland economies -  its communities, employers and individuals.

ENDS