Dir App - Item 3
North Ayrshire Council · 15 January 2024
Back to Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee — 15 January 2024 and its agenda
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AYRSHIRE ECONOMIC JOINT COMMITTEE Meeting – 15th January 2024 REPORT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL SUBJECT: AYRSHIRE REGIONAL REVENUE PROJECT AYRSHIRE SKILLS INVESTMENT FUND PURPOSE OF REPORT 1. This report seeks approval of the detailed governance arrangements for the Ayrshire Skills and Investment (ASIF) sub-committee of the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee(AEJC) including the Terms of Reference and Standing Orders. RECOMMENDATIONS 2. The Joint Committee is asked to: i. Consider and approve the Terms of Reference for the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Sub Committee. ii. Note that the agreed governance arrangements have been implemented, creating the AEJC, Ayrshire Skills and Investment Sub- Committee, with delegated authority to award the fund. iii. Ratify the appointment of Councillor Marie Burns as Chair and appoint a Vice Chair to the Ayrshire Skills and Investment Fund sub-committee (ASIF sub-committee) iv. Note the grant funding approved at the meeting of the ASIF sub- committee on November 2023 as detailed in Appendix 3 in accordance with the general delegation granted by the AEJC on 20 June 2022 and ratify the delegation for approval of grant funding awarded. v. Agree that an update is provided every 6 months on funding awards and achievements. BACKGROUND 3. The Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) has secured £3.5 million to deliver a range of skills interventions to address skills gaps across the region and equip people with the skills to compete effectively in the labour market and ensure people have the skills required for the future. Agenda Item 3
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Since the ASIF committee is a subcommittee of the AEJC, this report has not required to be considered by the AEPB. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT 4. The ASIF will provide a flexible and responsive skills fund for Ayrshire’s businesses and residents. The fund will be strategically aligned to the Regional Skills Investment Plan (RSIP) and the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and will support inclusive growth and community wealth building principles. It is aimed at helping employers grow and develop their employees and increase skills for Ayrshire residents, linking them to growth sectors and employment opportunities, with the objectives of reducing unemployment and increasing productivity. The fund supports skills development, where funding currently does not exist, closing funding gaps in the skills system and contributing to the development of skills needed to support regional, inclusive, economic growth. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 5. Following the decision of the AEJC on 20 June 2022, the AEJC Sub-Committee was established in January 2023 with delegated authority to: • Consider the output of the Regional Skills Investment Plan and the Regional Economic Strategy • Identify and prioritise skills gaps on an ongoing basis. • Determine and implement the most appropriate means of administering the ASIF to meet identified skills gaps. • Invite and evaluate ASIF Grant applications • Award grants from the ASIF; and • Develop and establish a suitable procurement process to ensure sufficient training provision is secured to meet identified skills gaps. 6. The Sub-committee has been operating to date based on the general delegation granted by the AEJC on 20 June 2022 and on the draft Terms of Reference and Standing Orders, presented to the AEJC for approval. 7. The ASIF sub-committee includes representatives from: North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Ayrshire Growth Deal PMO, GMB, Unison and Unite Trade Unions with Ayrshire College and the University of the West of Scotland participating in an advisory capacity where appropriate. 8. A grants programme will identify suitable training and an open procurement framework will be established to create a flexible and responsive skills programme.
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GOVERNANCE 8. The ASIF Sub Committee is formed in terms of section 56(1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) are included within Appendix 1 of this report. 9. The ToR is aligned to the Standing Orders, included within Appendix 2 of this report, which sets the framework for the conduct of meetings. 10. The Chair of the ASIF Sub Committee is Councillor Marie Burns, appointed by the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee, in accordance with the ToR and Standing Orders. A Vice Chair should also be appointed, from the elected members already appointed to the sub-committee, who will chair the meetings in the absence of the appointed chair. 11. The Minutes of the meetings of the sub-committee held since its establishment are included within Appendix 3 of this report. The grant funding agreed by the sub-committee is detailed in the Minutes of the meeting of 20th November 2023 and in relation to which ratification is sought from the AEJC prior to formal offer of funding. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 12. The ASIF project requires robust governance to ensure that its objectives are achieved in accordance legal requirements. 13. The governance has been developed in consultation with all 3 Ayrshire local authorities who have all contributed to the development of the ToR and the Standing Orders. HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS 14. The Fair Work and Skills Ayrshire team are in place to deliver the fund, supporting people and employers across the region ensuring the necessary interventions are available to support the skills development needs for the region. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT 15. An Equality Impact Assessment has been completed and has identified generally positive impacts arising from the fund, due to its strategic purpose. The fund was created to address inequality and improve socio-economic outcomes for disadvantaged groups in Ayrshire. The aim of this fund is to develop skills and increase local training capacity to develop future skills to achieve inclusive growth and increase productivity across the region delivering a direct impact on social-economic outcomes.
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CONSULTATIONS 16. The project board through the Local Authority Employability and Business Development leads have been consulted throughout development. 17. This has been considered by the 3 Local Authority Legal teams and they agree with the content of the ToR and the Standing Orders. Background Papers: Heads of Terms, signed by the UK Government and the Scottish Government and Ayrshire’s Councils on 8 March 2019 Deal Document, signed by both the UK Government and Scottish Government and Ayrshire’s Councils on 19 November 2020 Person to Contact: Laura Neill (Senior Manager, Employability & Skills, North Ayrshire Council) Tel: 01294 324802 Email: lauraneill@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Neale McIlvanney (Interim Head of Service Growth, Investment, Employability) Email: nealemcilvanney@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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Appendix 1 Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Sub Committee Terms of Reference Draft V6 January 2024 Introduction The Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee (“AEJC”) has established a sub-committee with delegated authority to create, implement and approve awards from the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (“ASIF”). The ASIF is an Ayrshire Growth Deal project designed to fund skills development and training in priority sectors, when existing provision is not available, flexible or responsive. Constitution The ASIF Sub Committee is formed in terms of section 56(1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. It shall comprise a maximum of [22] members in terms of its Standing Orders, being: (a) [three] representatives (one Councillor and two Officers) nominated by each of North, East and South Ayrshire Councils. (b) [one] representative nominated by each of Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Enterprise; and (c) [one] representative nominated by each of GMB Union, Unite Union and Unison Union. The ASIF Sub Committee may also co-opt up to [three] additional members on the basis of experience or skills, whether from existing members, from other organisations or individuals. [Named substitutes are permitted to attend in place of any nominated member.] The ASIF Sub Committee may also appoint up to [three] advisors from the Higher or Further Education sectors on the basis of experience or skills. Chair The Chair and Vice Chair shall be appointed by the AEJC. Quorum A quorum of the ASIF Sub Committee shall be six, with at least one nominee from each of the Ayrshire Councils present. Standing Orders and Meetings The Standing Orders of the ASIF Sub Committee shall be as detailed in the Appendix. The ASIF Sub Committee shall meet every six weeks and the Chair may convene additional meetings as required.
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Delegated Powers The ASIF Sub Committee has delegated powers to implement its functions, except as otherwise provided herein. Functions Referred The following functions of the AEJC will stand referred to the ASIF Sub Committee: 1. To consider the output of the Regional Skills Investment Plan. 2. To identify and prioritise skills gaps on an ongoing basis. 3. To determine and implement the most appropriate means of administering the ASIF to meet identified skills gaps. 4. To invite and evaluate ASIF Grant applications, including conducting a subsidy control assessment in respect of each application. 5. To award grants from the ASIF; and 6. To develop and establish a suitable procurement process to ensure sufficient training provision is secured to meet identified skills gaps.
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Appendix 2 Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Sub Committee Standing Orders for the Conduct of Meetings Draft V1 January 2024 COMMENCEMENT These standing orders will apply and have effect from the date approved by the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee. DEFINITIONS In these Standing Orders the following words and expressions have the following meaning as shown below:- “Constituent Authority” means any of the East, North or South Ayrshire Councils; and “ASIF Sub Committee” means the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund sub-committee formed under Sections 56 and 57 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 for the purposes of regulating the shared discharge of the functions of the Constituent Authorities. MEETING ARRANGEMENTS Dates of Meetings 1. The ASIF Sub Committee shall meet at least every six weeks or more often as is required to conduct its business, dates of meetings to be agreed by the ASIF Sub Committee. 2. A special meeting of the ASIF Sub Committee may be called at any time: (a) by the incumbent Chair; or (b) if at least one quarter of the total number of members request a meeting in writing specifying the business to be transacted. The requisition shall be submitted to the Chief Executive of the incumbent Chair’s Council and shall be included in the notice and summons of the meeting. The Chief Executive will determine the time and venue of the meeting, which shall be held within 14 days of the receipt by the Chief Executive of the requisition. Place, Time and Notice of Meetings
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3.1 Except in the case of urgency (when the incumbent Chair may direct accordingly) three clear days at least before a meeting of the ASIF Sub Committee. i. Notice of the time and place of the intended meeting shall be published by the Chief Executive of the incumbent Chair’s Council or an appropriate officer of that council, responsible for the administrative support of the ASIF Sub-Committee, at that Council’s principal office and, where practical, at the place where the meeting will be held if the meeting is to be held outwith that Council’s principal office; and ii. A summons to attend the meeting, specifying the business to be transacted shall be emailed to the last known email address, or left at or sent by post to the usual place of residence, of every Member of the ASIF Sub Committee as appropriate, or to such other address as the Member may notify in writing to the Chief Executive of the incumbent Chair’s Council. LACK OF NOTICE 4. Want of service of a summons on any Member of the ASIF Sub Committee shall not affect the validity of any meeting. QUORUM 5. The quorum for the ASIF Joint Committee shall be six, with at least one nominee from each of the Constituent Authorities present. No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the ASIF Sub Committee unless a quorum is present. If, 10 minutes after the time appointed for a meeting a quorum of Members is not then present, the meeting shall stand adjourned and it shall be minuted that “owing to the want of a quorum, no business was transacted”. CHAIR 6. The Chair of the ASIF Sub Committee shall be appointed by the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee. The Chair shall preside. In the event of the incumbent Chair either being absent or withdrawing from a meeting, the vice-Chair shall so preside or in their absence another elected member serving on the sub-committee as agreed by the sub- committee members present shall assume the Chair for that meeting or part thereof. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CHAIR 7. Deference shall at all times be paid to the authority of the Chair. When the Chair indicates a wish to speak, any Member who may be addressing the meeting shall give way. The Chair shall:-
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(i) preserve order and ensure that every member of the ASIF Sub Committee shall have a fair hearing. (ii) decide all matters of order, competency and relevancy and the ruling of the Chair shall be final and shall not be open to discussion. (iii) decide between two or more members of the meeting indicating that they wish to speak by calling on the member who has first caught the attention of the Chair. (iv) ensure that due and sufficient opportunity is given to members who wish to speak to express their views on the subject under discussion. (v) be entitled, in the event of disorder arising, to adjourn the meeting to a time he or she may then, or afterwards, fix and his or her leaving the Chair shall indicate the meeting is adjourned; and (vi) the Chair shall, at his or her discretion, determine all questions of procedure for which no express provision is made under these Standing Orders with regard to the regulation of the proceedings and business of the ASIF Sub Committee meetings. BUSINESS AT MEETINGS 8. At a meeting of the ASIF Sub Committee, no business other than that specified in the summons shall be considered. URGENT BUSINESS 9. Business which has not been specified in the summons may be considered where the Chair determines that the matter is one of urgency. It shall be at the sole discretion of the Chair to decide whether any business not specified on the agenda for the meeting, by reason of special circumstances, be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, and such special circumstances must be specified in the Minute of the meeting. ORDER OF BUSINESS 10. The business at any meeting shall (unless as otherwise directed by the Chair who may, at his or her discretion, alter the order of business at any stage) proceed in the following order:- (i) the Sederunt shall be taken; the names of the members present at the meeting shall be recorded with the Chair at the head followed by the remaining Members. (ii) Minutes of the previous ASIF Sub Committee shall be submitted, held as read and be formally moved and be held to be approved, unless objection
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is taken to any portion thereof when so submitted. Any Member may request information on an item within a Minute that is before the meeting; and (iii) Any other competent business detailed in the agenda or urgent business raised at the discretion of the Chair. ORDER OF DEBATE Motions/Amendments 11.1 A member of the ASIF Sub Committee when speaking shall address the Chair and direct all remarks to the matter before the meeting by proposing, seconding or speaking to the motion or any amendment relative thereto, or to a point of order, or to propose or second a motion to adjourn the proceedings. 11.2 Every motion or amendment shall be moved and seconded. The terms of all motions or amendments shall always precede any remarks to be made by their proposers. No member shall speak supporting the motion or any amendment until the same shall be seconded. 11.3 The terms of a motion or amendment not seconded, or which may be withdrawn or altered after being seconded shall not be recorded in the Minutes of proceedings. 11.4 Any member who has moved a motion or amendment and has failed to find a seconder may request that his or her dissent in regard to the decision in question be recorded and that dissent will be recorded in the Minutes. Procedure on Point of Order 11.5 A member may speak upon a matter of order and on doing so shall make a short statement precisely detailing the terms of the point of order. If the Chair decides that the question raised by the speaker is not a ‘point or order’, the member who raised the point of order shall thereupon accept the decision as final. No other member shall be entitled to speak to that point of order. A member who is addressing the meeting when a question of order is raised shall give way until the question of order has been decided by the Chair. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING 12.1 A motion for the adjournment of the meeting for a specified period of time may be put at the conclusion of any speech and shall have precedence over all other motions. It must be moved and seconded without a speech and shall at once be put by the Chair in the form of “For Adjournment” or “Against Adjournment”. 12.2 A second motion for the adjournment of the meeting shall not be made within a period of 30 minutes unless it is moved by the Chair, when it shall be dealt with as in the immediately preceding standing order.
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VOTING Method of Voting on Motion and Amendment 13. The method of voting on motions and amendments shall be as follows :- (i) When a motion and one amendment only are before the meeting, a vote shall be taken between the motion and the amendment. (ii) When a motion and two or more amendments are before the meeting, the vote shall be taken upon all the proposals, each member having one vote. If a proposal receives the support of a majority of the members taking part in the vote, it shall be declared to be the decision of the meeting, but, in the event of none of the proposals receiving the support of such a majority, the proposal which has received the least support shall be dropped and the vote shall be taken anew upon the remaining proposals and so on until one proposals has received the support of such a majority whereupon it shall be declared to be the decision of the meeting; and (iii) In the event of the votes for two or more proposals being equal the Chair shall decide which of them shall be dropped. DECISIONS OF THE ASIF SUB-COMMITTEE 14. Subject to Standing Order 15, all decisions before the ASIF Sub Committee shall be decided by a majority of the Members of the meeting present and voting thereon. CASTING VOTE 15. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote, except where the matter which is the subject of the vote relates to the appointment of a member of the ASIF Sub-Committee to any particular office, in which case the decision shall be by lot. ATTENDANCE BY MEMBERS AND ADVISORS WHO ARE NOT A MEMBER OF THE ASIF SUB COMMITTEE 16. Members of the Constituent Authorities and Advisors who are not members of the ASIF Sub Committee may be invited by the Chair of the ASIF Sub Committee to attend the meeting of the ASIF Sub Committee while there is under discussion any item in which those members have a local or other special interest. Such members and advisors shall be entitled to participate in the discussion on that item but shall not be entitled to vote.
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ATTENDANCE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC 17. Members of the public may, subject to any limitation on numbers that may be required due to Health and Safety considerations or availability of space or seating in the meeting room, attend any part of the meeting of the ASIF Sub Committee except during an item of business where the meeting has resolved, in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (as amended), that the matter should be discussed in private session.
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Appendix 3 Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Sub Committee Minutes of Meetings 25th January 2023 20th March 2023 11th September 2023 9th October 2023 20th November 2023 Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund 20th March 2.00pm – 3.30pm Location: MS Team In attendance Laura Neill North Ayrshire Council (Chair) Councillor Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council Juliet Dempster North Ayrshire Council Emma McMullen North Ayrshire Council Helen Noble Scottish Enterprise Anne Campbell Ayrshire College Stuart Millar Ayrshire College Paul Zealey Skills Development Scotland Bethany Handysides McKechnie Skills Development Scotland Councillor Reid East Ayrshire Council Cat Hester East Ayrshire Council Ian Burgoyne East Ayrshire Council Councillor Pollock South Ayrshire Council Heather Anderson South Ayrshire Council Graham Saunders PMO, Ayrshire Growth Deal Chris Kennedy GMB Apologies Jamie Tait South Ayrshire Council Louise McDaid Unison Andy Macfarlane Unite 1. Welcome & Introductions Laura welcomed all in attendance to the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee: Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund meeting. This is the first meeting of the Sub Committee who has delegated authority to create and implement the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) 2. Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Presentation from Laura Neill NAC Action
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ASIF Presentation 250123.pptx The Outline Business Case (OBC) is not approved, yet, by the Scottish Government. Cllr Pollok asked is there a limited number of applications: the financial profile is £3.5million with £500,000 to deliver the fund and £3million to fund training interventions for 1000 people. Anne Campbell highlighted the importance of mapping existing provision, mechanisms and funding streams to avoid duplication and enrich the existing offers, emphasising this fund will support training where a funding gap exists. Graham Saunders highlighted the importance to capitalise on this funding and what it can do to hook additional funding in future. Awaiting Approval from SG for OBC – keep updated on progress. Mapping exercise to identify existing funds with report back to the next meeting 3. Ayrshire Skills Investment Plan Presentation from Paul Zealey SDS on the Plan Ayrshire RSIP – the plan is published on the SDS Website https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/49339/ayrshire- regional-skills-investment-plan.pdf Action 4. Regional Skills Assessment Bethany Handysides McKechnie, SDS, presented the Regional skills Assessment for Ayrshire: PowerPoint Presentation (skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk) Questions & points raised Councillor Pollok highlighted the importance of linking future skills requirement back to schools and curriculum to ensure we have future talent for these roles e.g., Aerospace Councillor Burns highlighted importance of Community Wealth Building across region and sectors currently struggling to recruit including NHS and HSCP. Cat Hester asked about the 500 aerospace jobs and importance of training for all levels to allow local people to access these jobs. Heather Anderson stated her team has requested a specific breakdown of the Aerospace/Space vacancies and skills levels required. Action Identify Gaps in skills provision along with flexibility of existing funding.
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Ian Burgoyne provided an overview of the work with Ayrshire College to increase access for young people through use of foundation apprenticeships and similar models to support key specialisms e.g., Loudon Academy, Food & Drink. Anne Campbell detailed the importance of involvement in our conversations from Directors of Education, Scotland’s Colleges, Scottish Government and SSSC to ensure success of the offer. Graham Saunders stated it was important that local people should benefit from AGD and CWB indicators and measures that are linked to skills. 5. Regional Economic Strategy Emma McMullen presented on the RES Regional Economic Strategy Ayrshire Action 6. AEJC Sub Committee • ASIF Terms of Reference • Timescales • Implementation plan Action To be approved at next mtg 7. Any Other Business Catherine Hester highlighted importance of considering also NOLB projects along with Shared Prosperity Fund implementation and consider opportunities to positively impact child poverty with opportunities for parents. Action Include NOLB Delivery Plans in funds and skills development mapping 8. Date of next meeting 20th March 2023 at 2.00pm on MS Teams Action
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Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund 20th March 2.00pm – 3.30pm Location: MS Team In attendance Laura Neill North Ayrshire Council (Chair) Councillor Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council Councillor Reid East Ayrshire Council Helen Noble Scottish Enterprise Anne Campbell Ayrshire College Paul Zealey Skills Development Scotland Allan Swan South Ayrshire Council Graham Saunders PMO, Ayrshire Growth Deal Chris Kennedy GMB Apologies Juliet Dempster North Ayrshire Council Emma McMullen North Ayrshire Council Councillor Pollock South Ayrshire Council Jamie Tait South Ayrshire Council Heather Anderson South Ayrshire Council 1. Welcome & Introductions Laura welcomed all in attendance to the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee: Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund meeting. 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting and Matters Arising The Minutes were approved as an accurate record of the meeting. Laura provided an update that the Outline Business Case (OBC) is not approved by the Scottish Government. Action LN: Continue to progress OBC approval 3. Terms of Reference The draft version of the ToR was shared and discussed. Anne Campbell requested reference to the Skills Working Group be included, links to the 6 x workstreams and an emphasis on priority sectors not growth sector where existing provision is not available adding or flexible or responsive. Action LN: Update ToR as Draft V2 for approval at the next meeting 4. Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Update The forecast financial profile was shared showing the planned outputs and budget from 2023/24 – 2027/28. The budget will fund staff/resources to deliver up to £500,000 and a £3million fund to support the skills development of 1000 people, the unit cost of training is £3,000 per person. Action
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5. Mapping Existing Funds A mapping exercise to identify existing skills development funds and opportunities has commenced and will continue to ensure this is comprehensive Action LN: Continue Mapping 6. Island Skills Fund Grant Programme Model Laura provided an overview on the North Ayrshire Island Skills Initiative, a recent Grants programme with an open process, aligned with the Island Plan which approved 26 awards to support skills development for individuals, employers and training providers. Helen highlighted Scottish Enterprise’s Innovation Fund which awards £5,000 per applicant – Helen agreed to share criteria/documentation for this fund Anne Campbell highlighted the need to prioritise/maximise this investment, clear criteria with expectations is required to provide a framework for decision making. It was agreed Laura, Anne and Paul would meet to develop a draft framework. Councillor Burns highlighted unemployment is falling, vacancies are increasing, this must be considered as part of the fund development. Action To be approved at next mtg HN: Share Innovation Fund details AC, PZ, LN to develop assessment framework 7. Any Other Business No other business was raised Action 8. Date of next meeting To be arranged Action LN: arrange meeting dates
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Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee: ASIF 11th September 2.00pm – 3.30pm Location: MS Teams In attendance Laura Neill North Ayrshire Council (Chair) Councillor Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council Neale McIlvanney North Ayrshire Council Matt Strachan North Ayrshire Council Emma McMullen North Ayrshire Council Juliet Dempster North Ayrshire Council Anne Marie McCabe Scottish Enterprise Anne Campbell Ayrshire College Paul Zealey Skills Development Scotland Councillor Pollock South Ayrshire Council Heather Anderson South Ayrshire Council Apologies Jamie Tait South Ayrshire Council Councillor Reid East Ayrshire Council Ian Burgoyne East Ayrshire Council Mags Watson East Ayrshire Council Graham Saunders PMO, Ayrshire Growth Deal Chris Kennedy GMB Louise McDaid Unison Andy McFarlane Unite Milan Radosavlijevic UWS Jonny Mone UWS Stuart Millar Ayrshire College Bethany Handysides McKechnie Skills Development Scotland 1. Welcome & Introductions Laura welcomed all in attendance to meeting. 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting The Minutes were approved as an accurate record of the meeting. 3. Matters Arising Laura reported the OBC and FBC was now approved by the Scottish Government and the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee. 4. Terms of Reference The draft version of the ToR was shared, discussed and approved. It was later agreed during the meeting there was a requirement to ensure representative of elected members was required across all 3 councils and the ToR would be updated accordingly following legal advice. A revised version will be presented at the next meeting. Action LN: revised version presented to next meeting. 5. Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Delivery Model Action
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A paper was circulated in advance, setting out a proposed ASIF Delivery Model to include 3 lots targeting priority sectors and priority groups. ASIF Delivery Model Report 110923 Laura shared a presentation providing further detail on the proposed Delivery Model. AGD Delivery Model 110923 The key aspects include 3 Lots: 1. Training Grants: Ayrshire College, UWS and in the future to consider further training providers (Implement 2023) 2. Open Procured Framework (ITT: November 2023, Implement 2024) 3. Employer Grants (Implement 2023) The priority sectors, which may change in the future, are proposed as: • Engineering • Digital • Visitor Economy • Clean Growth The priority groups have been identified through the inclusive growth diagnostic to be supported are: • Young people • Females • People with long term health conditions • People in low paid employment The financial profile includes a significant investment for 23/24, delays to approval now reduce time to deliver/spend, this will need to be monitored closely to reduce risk of losing these funds, a reprofiling request may be required. Following the presentation there was a discussion and the following points were raised: MS: asked questions on restrictions, SMEs, larger companies and inward investment opportunities. This will all be considered as part of the Employer Grants guidance and shared for consideration and approval at the next meeting. Cllr Pollock: Noted the budget of £40,000 for research and highlighted the need to ensure ongoing research to ensure the right people are targeted. Councillor Pollock discussed the need within the Aviation Industry to ensure people have numeracy skills and the previous LN to send presentation LN: Monitor financial profile closely and report to sub committee LN: Develop guidance for approval at next meeting Ongoing research process required
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Skypath programme targeting long term unemployed people did not meet the needs of employers. EMcM: Reported the Community Wealth Building AGD Project is completing a mid-term review, the end date for this project is 31st March 2024 and confirmed support for the Fair Work Ayrshire aspect to be continued delivering Fair Work and Skills, with future funds from ASIF staff budget. This links to the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) with the RES Delivery Plan being considered by the AEJC. NMc: Noted Legal have provided advice on Subsidy Control, this will be considered on a case-by-case basis with Grantees self-declaring. Neale also reported an initial conversation had been held with EKOS to consider a research proposal to consider all capital investment and to ensure skills are considered to maximise opportunities arising from AGD and other capital investments noting skills are key to landing big investments. Cllr Burns: Highlighted need to ensure people can access pathways to learning, they need to get a foot on the path, and we need to use learning from previous employability programmes. AC: Reported Ayrshire College have recently recruited 50 new aerospace Apprentices with 28 of these people progressing from pathway programmes, highlighting the need for pre-readiness programme on clusters. NMc: Highlighted the important of ensuring a strong Communications Plan to support the implementation of ASIF was necessary. It was agreed Michele McColm, Senior Manager, Communications, North Ayrshire Council would be invited to the next meeting. The Delivery Model, including the delivery model, priority sectors and target groups were agreed by the ASIF Sub Committee, with no objections. Guidance and processes will be considered at the next meeting to enable the ASIF to be launched. Explore EKOS proposal further Ensure learning from previous programmes to enable access LN: Comms to be included as an agenda item at next meeting 6. Mapping Existing Funds Mapping of existing provision continues to ensure this is in place to ensure the ASIF supports gaps in current provisions. Laura reported this is extensive and there are a lot of training interventions currently available, however there remains lots of gaps in skills which do result in loss of productivity. AC shared an example of an employer in the Engineering sector who lost 8 employees to a larger employer which resulted in the loss of £1million of business. Availability of people and skills is essential to maximise productivity and the Ayrshire economy. Action LN: Continue Mapping
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7. Any Other Business None Action 8. Date of next meeting 9th October at 2.00pm on MS Teams Action
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Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee: ASIF 9th October 3.00pm – 4.30pm Location: MS Teams In attendance Laura Neill North Ayrshire Council (Chair) Matt Strachan North Ayrshire Council Juliet Dempster North Ayrshire Council Anne Marie McCabe Scottish Enterprise Anne Campbell Ayrshire College Paul Zealey Skills Development Scotland Councillor Pollock South Ayrshire Council Heather Anderson South Ayrshire Council Mags Watson East Ayrshire Council Graham Saunders PMO, Ayrshire Growth Deal Milan Radosavlijevic UWS Suzanne McQuade UWS Michele McColm North Ayrshire Council Apologies Councillor Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council Neale McIlvanney North Ayrshire Council Emma McMullen North Ayrshire Council Ian Burgoyne East Ayrshire Council Jamie Tait South Ayrshire Council Councillor Reid East Ayrshire Council Chris Kennedy GMB Louise McDaid Unison Andy McFarlane Unite Jonny Mone UWS Stuart Millar Ayrshire College Bethany Handysides McKechnie Skills Development Scotland 1. Welcome & Introductions Laura welcomed all in attendance to meeting. 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting The Minutes were approved as an accurate record of the meeting. 3. Matters Arising No matters arising. 4. Communications Strategy Michele McColm from NAC had drafted a detailed ASIF Comms Plan and detailed activity and timeline. The group agreed to take this forward and found it very comprehensive and fit for purpose. Michele mentioned recent discussions have highlighted the importance of involving education/schools to ensure Action LN: to share comms plan
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pupils/teachers/parent understand the key sectors for employment in Ayrshire and build strong foundations to grow local talent. Graham Saunders - reinforced this from an Ayrshire Growth Deal perspective as schools make requests to gain more AGD knowledge. Next meeting could include employer case studies to show clear career pathways for S3 pupils. Anne Campbell – requested that any school/AGD enquiries are directed to Ayrshire Skills Group so needs can be reflected in CIAG and skills plan. 5. Terms of Reference Laura explained that the ToR will be redrafted to include a Quorum for decision making where a requirement to ensure representative of elected members was required across all 3 councils and the ToR would be updated accordingly following legal advice. In addition to this trade unions, Scottish Enterprise and SDS would attend. FE and HE partners would attend in advisory capacity only with no voting rights on fund allocation. Action LN: revised version presented to next meeting. 6a. Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Delivery Model The delivery model was agreed at last meeting. AGD Delivery Model 110923 ASIF Delivery Model Report 110923 The key aspects include 3 Lots: 4. Training Grants: Ayrshire College, UWS and in the future to consider further training providers (Implement 2023) 5. Open Procured Framework (ITT: November 2023, Implement 2024) 6. Employer Grants (Implement 2023) The priority sectors, which may change in the future, are proposed as: • Engineering • Digital • Visitor Economy • Clean Growth The priority groups have been identified through the inclusive growth diagnostic to be supported are: • Young people • Females • People with long term health conditions • People in low paid employment Action
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The financial profile includes a significant investment for 23/24, delays to approval now reduce time to deliver/spend, this will need to be monitored closely to reduce risk of losing these funds, a reprofiling request may be required. Anne Campbell from Ayrshire College discussed an outline proposal delivery model for Lot 1 This includes. • Engineering – focus on the aerospace cluster in first instance and will expanding to include XL-CC and manufacturing in East Ayrshire. • Digital • Food & Drink • Clean Growth The engineering discipline will include. • Aerospace • Welding • Manufacturing • Robotics There will be 15 cohorts offering 180-200 places running Jan 2024 to June 2025. Aimed at upskilling the economically inactive with hand skills, economically inactive without skills and new candidates, Work placements will key within this opportunity and would welcome employers to come forward. A proposal for Digital could also be confirmed at next meeting. It was agreed Ayrshire College will present the proposal at the next meeting detailing skills requirements for engineering sector and value of fund request. Cllr Pollok – mentioned that many companies are moving from the apprenticeship model to trusteeships and traineeships with inhouse training programmes. David McDowall – mentioned that it would be beneficial to develop the food & drink proposal as the challenges in this sector are increasing. Laura mentioned that the proposals will be raised in Ayrshire Skills Group to make sure sector needs are met. Milan Radosavljevic - mentioned he agrees with the proposal and in the case of clean growth we need to look at the short term needs of the sector and local area, skills planning. Mags Watson – mentioned she is currently working on a digital collaboration pilot and agreed with the importance of increasing the attractiveness of the region. Laura – keen to consider UWS proposal Suzanne and Milan to try to develop proposal for next meeting after they have energy master plan draft from consultants. AC to present delivery model at next meeting.
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Suzanne McQuade – agreed to look at year 1 proposal. 6b. Employer grants guidance discussed, and dates /meetings /approvals agreed. Milan – mentioned the geography might cause employers or candidates to miss out. Laura explained it had to focus on Ayrshire residents and businesses as a commitment to Ayrshire Growth Deal. Laura detailed there will be a steering group and representation from across the three business development teams would be considered. Mags Watson – will share her learnings on the EAC training grant to prevent any duplication. Anne Marie McCabe – mentioned MFA disclosure and is also willing to review form and guidance. Once launched will also share with employers who could apply for funding. LN: To share Lot 3 employer form and guidance with business development teams for review and comments. 7. Research Proposal EKOS research has shown is that industry and schools and connected so information is fed back into the education system. Laura detailed it is so important right skills get to the right people and skills gaps are reduced. Ayrshire College, SDS and EKOS will look at proposal with education to clearly identify the career pathways of the future that AGD investment will create. Action 8. Any Other Business None Action 9. Date of next meeting 20th November at 3.00pm on MS Teams Action
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Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee Sub Committee: ASIF 20th November 3.30pm – 5.00pm Location: MS Teams Present Laura Neill North Ayrshire Council (Chair) Councillor Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council Juliet Dempster North Ayrshire Council Emma McMullen North Ayrshire Council Councillor Reid East Ayrshire Council David McDowall East Ayrshire Council Ian Burgoyne East Ayrshire Council Councillor Pollock South Ayrshire Council Allan Swan South Ayrshire Council Graham Saunders PMO, Ayrshire Growth Deal Anne Marie McCabe Scottish Enterprise Anne Campbell Ayrshire College Suzanne McQuade UWS In Attendance Alison Cairns EKOS Chris Kelly EKOS Gemma Donnelly EKOS Michael Dunn EKOS Avril Thompson NMIS Apologies Matt Strachan North Ayrshire Council Neale McIlvanney North Ayrshire Council Paul Zealey Skills Development Scotland Mags Watson East Ayrshire Council Heather Anderson South Ayrshire Council Jamie Tait South Ayrshire Council Stuart Millar Ayrshire College Milan Radosavlijevic UWS Jonny Mone UWS Chris Kennedy GMB Louise McDaid Unison Andy McFarlane Unite 1. Welcome & Introductions Laura welcomed all in attendance to meeting. 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting The Minutes were approved with an amendment to attendance to include David McDowall, East Ayrshire Council who attended. 3. Matters Arising No matters arising.
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4. EKOS Research Findings Michael Dunn, Gemma Donnelly, and Alison Cairns presented EKOS research. Slides supplied for reference: Ayrshire Skills Mapping Action LN: to share EKOS slides 5. Terms of Reference Laura explained that the ToR has been updated to reflect the need for a Quorum for decision making and final approval. Will share in advance of next meeting to allow for legal approval from all attendees. Action LN: to share updated ToR in advance of next meeting. 6. Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund Proposals for Consideration for funding This section of the meeting was moved to the start of the agenda to ensure quorum for fair decision-making process. Laura provided overview of activity to date on fund activity. a) Training Providers Grants: Ayrshire College Full Proposal Anne Campbell for Ayrshire College had provided a fully detailed written proposal prior to the meeting and Laura had circulated in advance for consideration. Anne provided an overview of the proposal: • Courses would have full campus coverage where possible. • Courses would run from Feb 2024 to June 2025 • Engineering focus on CNC, Aerospace and Welding • Clean Growth would have a net zero focus • Digital courses would have pathways to support further study at UWS David McDowall – asked for clarification on locations to ensure that those in more rural Ayrshire have the chance to access the opportunities. Will discuss at LEP to see if assistance to these candidates is available. Anne happy to discuss with LEPs. Ian Burgoyne – asked about selection criteria and economically inactive terminology. Anne confirmed unemployed candidates within target groups will be eligible. Anne detailed that there will be inclusive support to potential candidates with interview/entry conversations to match to opportunities, but engineering could be more challenging due to specialisms. Decision – Funding of £693,000 for the Ayrshire College proposal with £60,600 from 23/24 allocation was approved with Councillors Burns, Reid and Pollok confirming agreement. Action
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b) Employer Grants Programme: Evaluation Panel Recommendations for approval Juliet shared an overview of all proposed employer grants by local authority area to support the report previously circulated. No questions were raised, members noted a good variety of applications had been received. Decision – Funding of £60,180 for the employer grant requests for 23/24 was approved Councillors Burns, Reid and Pollok confirming agreement. Employers will not be informed until the 24th of November, details of decisions are confidential until this announcement. These approvals are all subject to subsidy control assessments and fair work conditionality. 7. Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund – Outline Proposals a) University of West of Scotland Susanne McQuade presented an outline proposal from UWS, targeting economically inactive/unemployed individuals and also businesses to explore existing talent and upskill staff. Delivery would start early next year with 11 cohorts across 4 areas to support 130-165 individuals at a cost of £400,000. Allan Swan – asked about how it could attract applicants out with the region. It was confirmed there would be selection process, but the eligibility criteria are people supported must all live in Ayrshire. David McDowall is interested to see more detail on the offer at next meeting. It was agreed UWS would present a detailed proposal at the next meeting. b) NMIS Avril Thompson, Head of Skills at NMIS presented and slide included a suite of both free and costed training opportunities covering, engineering, digital and clean growth target sectors, including internships. It is designed in the form of employer vouchers to a maximum of £3000 for Ayrshire employers only. Blended delivery of online and f2f with 3 price bands up to £3000. A free skills consultation can be offered to employers to assess need. Action Share UWS presentation UWS ASIF Framework - slide.pdf Susanne to supply detailed proposal in advance of next meeting NMIS Proposal NMIS ASIFvouchermenu Complete mapping of current LA offers
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David McDowall – expressed that the offers need to be mapped in line with existing opportunities in each of the LA’s and that pricing is consistent across the board. Laura agreed and a mapping exercise will be done before next meeting. 8. Any Other Business No other business. Laura reminded the group that grant decisions are not yet public and will be subject to Subsidy Control and Fair Work First conditionality being confirmed by Scottish Government. Action 9. Date of next meeting 12th February 2024 at 3.00pm on MS Teams, it is noted this date may be subject to change as the meeting must have a quorum in attendance to enable decisions to be taken. Action Confirm date is suitable for all