• Strategy and Analysis
• National Expectations and Government Requirements
• Policy
• Gap Analysis and Priorities

National Expectations and Government Requirements

National Expectations

National expectations of RSPs can be most usefully summarised by quoting from key documents. RSPs:
"...should be the vehicle for ensuring that all the adult skills, business support, labour market and productivity services available at regional, local and sectoral level are mobilised to support regional priorities" (RSP Specification)

"...ensure that the strategy for supply of skills, training, business support and labour market services is planned, managed and delivered in a coherent, collaborative way which reflects the priorities set out in the Regional Economic Strategies" (LSC/RDA Concordat)

"...can join up complementary services so that they are delivered to employers in an integrated way. They can ensure that skills are deployed effectively in support of more ambitious business development strategies" (Skills White Paper 2005)

"The top priority for RSP's is to show that they are making a difference ...[RSP's] must demonstrate that the voice of employers is truly being heard and is shaping the provision of skills and business support in the region" (Phil Hope Letter)

These overarching themes guide the activities of the SW RSP and it is against this backdrop that the specific requirements of government and the region need to be considered.

Government Requirements

Specific government requirements of RSPs have been set out in the DfES update of the summary of ‘Added Value’ Roles and Responsibilities for RSPs, issued in April 2006. This is presented below:

* LSC Lead ** RDA Lead

In addition to the above collective RSP responsibilities the roles of RSP core partners in respect of supporting RSP responsibilities is also clearly specified.