Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 23, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   That Cabinet agrees the approach of coordinating new national government policy and funding into a single Surrey Skills Strategic Framework, building from up-to-date local evidence.   That in relation to the ‘Get Surrey Working Plan’, Cabinet agrees evidence analysis and principles for submission to DWP in October 2025. That in relation to the Adult Skills Fund: Cabinet notes previous approval secured from Cabinet on 18/03/2025 to receive the devolved Fund (estimated at £12m per annum) and to ‘delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to consent to the making of the necessary Regulations to devolve the Adult Skills Fund thereby implementing and giving effect to these aspects which formed part of the County Deal agreed with government in March 2024’. Cabinet agrees the direction of travel for the devolved commissioning framework. Cabinet agrees to delegate decision-making power to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth for the commissioning arrangements to secure and implement the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund, including the details of the final commissioning approach, the agreement of priority provision, details for funding rates and other key components of the future commissioning plan. That Cabinet notes the wider partnership governance that underpins this work including connections into health and upcoming components such as the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Surrey, which will be aligned to national deadlines.      Reason for Decisions:   The proposed establishment of a strategic framework for Workforce, Employment and Skills recognises the need for a locally defined, strategic approach to make sure that Surrey residents from target groups are able to access a streamlined local employment support offer. The Framework addresses the cross-cutting interests of health and economic outcomes, and it provides a structure under which current and future related opportunities can be integrated. There is also a government requirement for approvals of a cross-system plan for ‘Get Surrey Working’ and the commissioning of Surrey’s Adult Skills Fund.   (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)