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Skills Committee - Monday, 15th June, 2026 11.00 am
June 15, 2026 at 11:00 am Skills Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Monday 15 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning skills development and employment across the region. Key decisions included noting the contents of the Director's Highlight Report, approving the CPCA's Forward Plan, and endorsing the proposed role of the Skills Board in stewarding the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Director's Highlight Report
The committee received an update from Judith Barker, Executive Director of Place and Economy, on key activities within the Skills and Employment portfolio. The report highlighted significant progress on various fronts, including a £5 million extension to the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, which has already supported over 1,000 young people. The launch of the Get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Working Plan was also noted, setting an ambitious target to increase the regional employment rate to 80% by addressing barriers to work. Additionally, the report detailed the opening of a new £4.2 million Green Skills Academy in Wisbech, supported by a £2 million investment from the Combined Authority, aimed at equipping learners with skills in green technologies and environmental trades. The committee also received updates on the Wider Outcomes Framework, the Further Education Teacher Industry Exchange pilot, and the Skills Capital Policy development.
Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Year One - Interim Evaluation Report
Alexis McLeod introduced the interim independent evaluation report from the Learning and Work Institute, outlining early findings from the first year of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Programme. The report highlighted that provision was effectively tailored to young people's needs, with providers adapting to participant preferences. Positive features included the voluntary, low-pressure, and accessible nature of the programme, with much of the provision being long-term and non-time-limited. Wraparound support was valued by both providers and young people. However, challenges were also identified, including capacity pressures within delivery teams, difficulties in supporting young people with mental health needs, and issues around sustaining engagement and motivation. The report recommended strengthening programme monitoring, focusing on journey-focused provision, re-mapping needs and provision across the region, convening delivery providers, amplifying the role of the programme board, and improving transport links.
Adult Skills Review 2024/25 and future planning
Nick Speroni presented the findings of the Adult Skills Funding (ASF) Review 2024/25. The review indicated that the adult skills system is working well in terms of access and delivery, with strong reach into priority groups and places, high participation, and an inclusive system. However, it was noted that the system is not yet optimised for growth, with a need for sharper prioritisation, a stronger focus on progression and outcomes, and more deliberate alignment with economic growth priorities. The report recommended that the findings be used to inform future commissioning, performance management, and strategic planning for adult skills in the period 2026-29. The committee endorsed the overall assessment and strategic direction set out in the report and recommended its approval to the Combined Authority Board.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan, Submission and Transition to Delivery
Charlotte Horobin provided an update on the submission of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029. The LSIP has been submitted to Skills England and is pending approval by the Secretary of State, expected in June/July 2026. The committee noted the transition from LSIP development to implementation, including the agreed governance and delivery approach. The proposed role of the Skills Board in stewarding the LSIP through a Priority Sponsor model was endorsed, ensuring continued employer-led oversight and system leadership.
Skills Bootcamps
Nick Speroni reported that Skills Bootcamp funding for 2026/27 is now devolved to the Combined Authority and forms part of the consolidated Adult Skills Fund. The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approves the utilisation of £2 million of the total £13.4 million 2026/27 Adult Skills allocation to deliver Skills Bootcamps. Delegated authority was also recommended to the Executive Director of Place and Economy, working with the Assistant Director for Skills and Employment, to extend and vary existing Wave 6 contracts, enter into grant funding agreements, and undertake procurement exercises for new provision.
Post 16 Capacity Skills Capital Funding
Caroline Fairhurst provided an update on the development of the Full Business Case for the Post-16 Capacity and Construction Skills Capital Programme. This £14.5 million capital programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to increase post-16 capacity in response to growing learner numbers, expand construction and technical skills provision, and support employer demand. The business case has been progressed through the Combined Authority's Single Assurance Framework (SAF), and the committee was invited to provide feedback and commentary.
Thematic Committees: Review of Terms of Reference
Matt Cumberbatch, Director of Legal and Governance, presented proposed amendments to the Skills Committee's Terms of Reference. Following feedback from a previous meeting, the revisions aimed to provide greater clarity and flexibility. The committee reviewed and commented on the proposed amendments, and recommended to the Combined Authority Board that the revisions be accepted and incorporated into the Combined Authority's Constitution.
Budget & Performance Report
Bruna Menegatti, Finance Manager for the Place and Economy team, presented the Budget and Performance Report. The report indicated that overall income was higher than budgeted due to the early receipt of capital funding, partially offset by an underspend on Bootcamps. Revenue expenditure was also below budget, primarily due to Bootcamp delivery challenges. The committee noted the financial position of the Skills Division for the financial year 2025/26 to March 2026.
Skills Board Update
Shaun Cook provided a brief update on the Skills Board meetings held on 27th April and 18th May 2026. The Board had discussed feedback from Skills England on the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the Teacher Industry Exchange programme, and the implications of devolution for Skills Bootcamps. The committee received the Action Sheets from these meetings.
Work Programme
The committee noted the Committee's Work Programme for the upcoming municipal year.
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 14 September 2026.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Budget & Performance Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority approved recommendations on 15 June 2026. The committee noted the financial position of the Skills Division for the financial year 2025/26 to March 2026. The Skills Service is developing a policy and delivery framework to inform the management and allocation of ringfenced funding.
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Director's Highlight Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee approved the Director's Highlight Report on 15 June 2026. The report noted the contents of the report.
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Forward Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council decided to approve recommendations on 15/06/2026. They noted the CPCA's Forward Plan.
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Election of Vice-Chair
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee decided to appoint Cllr E Wilson as Vice-Chair of the Committee on 15 June 2026. This was approved by the committee.
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Minutes of the previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9th March 2026. The committee also noted the Action Log.
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Work Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee approved recommendations on 15/06/2026. The committee noted its Work Programme.
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Declaration of Interests
Information OnlyThe Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council decided on 15/06/2026 to record Councillor M Davey's declaration of interest as information only. Councillor M Davey declared an interest due to his role as a Director of Cambridgeshire United Football Club.
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Public Questions
Information OnlyThe Skills Committee received one public question on 15/06/2026. The committee noted the question and published a response. The response stated that the Authority will keep future infrastructure opportunities under review, including in relation to the Cambridge Airport site, and is focused on working with partners on future skills needs.
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Date of Next Meeting
Information OnlyThe Skills Committee decided the date of the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 14 September 2026 at 10am in the CPCA Meeting Room, Pathfinder House, Huntingdon PE29 3TN.
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Apologies for Absence
Information OnlyThe Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council noted apologies for absence on 15/06/2026. No formal decision text was recorded.
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Skills Board Update
Information OnlyThe Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority received the Action Sheets of the Skills Board meetings held on 27th April and 18th May 2026. The committee noted this information on 15/06/2026.
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Local Skills Improvement Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority approved recommendations on 15/06/2026. They noted the submission of the Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026–2029 to Skills England, pending Secretary of State approval. The committee also endorsed the Skills Board's role in stewarding the plan through a Priority Sponsor model.
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Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Year One - Interim Evaluation Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Skills Committee and Combined Authority Board decided to approve recommendations on 15/06/2026. They noted the interim evaluation report from the Learning and Work Institute on the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Programme's first year. This decision will inform the programme's second year.
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