The Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss the emerging Post-16 Skills Strategy and Action Plan, alongside updates on the Connect to Work Programme and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programmes. The panel was also set to review the progress of the Culture Strategy and discuss items for the upcoming 2026-27 work programme.

Post-16 Skills Strategy and Action Plan

The panel was scheduled to consider the emerging Post-16 Skills Strategy and Action Plan. This strategy aims to create a coherent, inclusive, and employer-led local skills system to enable young people and adults to progress into sustained, good employment. Key areas for discussion included how the strategy equips residents with skills for employment, its alignment with national agendas for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and how it addresses vulnerable learners. The strategy also intends to examine employer engagement in shaping curriculum and developing programmes between schools, colleges, and employers, as well as the relevance of training to local labour market needs, and inclusivity and accessibility for residents facing barriers to work. The report highlighted that the strategy seeks to address a fragmented post-16 landscape, persistent skills shortages, and unequal outcomes for priority groups. It aims to create clear post-16 pathways, strengthen transitions from education to work, embed employer leadership in curriculum planning, align funding and provision, and deliver a skills system that reduces barriers to participation. The strategy is informed by national reforms and aligns with the Council's Inclusive Economy Strategy, Children and Young People Plan, and SEND Partnership Strategy. The report detailed nine priorities for the strategy, including strengthening transitions, expanding support for vulnerable learners, employer-led curriculum development, aligning provision with labour market needs, expanding apprenticeships, improving attainment and progression, ensuring inclusive participation, creating a whole-system integrated model, and focusing on adult upskilling and reskilling. The development of the strategy has involved co-production with young people, families, employers, and community organisations.

Connect to Work Programme and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programmes

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the Connect to Work Programme and the Improving Economic Activity (IEA) Trailblazer Programme. These programmes are designed to support economically inactive residents with complex barriers to employment. The Connect to Work programme utilises Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models to help participants secure and sustain employment, with a focus on those with disabilities, health conditions, and other complex needs. The IEA Trailblazer Programme, a DWP-funded initiative, aims to test innovative, locally led approaches to reducing economic inactivity, focusing on residents who are typically excluded from mainstream provision, such as unpaid carers, retirees, NEET young people, and care leavers. The report indicated that the IEA Trailblazer Programme had engaged 165 participants and delivered over 50 paid London Living Wage placements. The Connect to Work programme had received 45 referrals and secured its first job offer. Both programmes align with national and London priorities to integrate employment, health, and skills support, and are underpinned by GLLaB's established employer network. The report highlighted that the programmes are successfully reaching diverse groups, including a significant proportion of participants from ethnic minority backgrounds and those aged 50 and over.

Culture Strategy Update

The panel was scheduled to receive a one-year update on the progress of the Culture Strategy. This strategy, developed through extensive community consultation, focuses on three core themes: Create, Connect, and Flourish. The strategy aims to support local employment and skills development within the cultural and creative sectors, contribute to the vibrancy of town centres, strengthen the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting creative businesses, and bolster voluntary, community, and social sector cultural organisations. The report indicated that Greenwich is transitioning from a heritage-led visitor destination to a production-led cultural borough, with significant developments planned for areas like the Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich Works, and Charlton Riverside. The strategy has supported local employment through initiatives like the Ignite Youth Heritage Stories programme, which provided paid roles and mentoring for young people. Cultural programming, such as the Royal Greenwich Festivals, has also generated employment opportunities and activated town centres. The strategy aims to increase the supply of affordable creative workspaces and strengthen partnerships between education, industry, and cultural organisations. The report also detailed the contribution of culture to Greenwich's tourism agenda, with initiatives like the Wayfinder Volunteer Initiative aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. The strategy also emphasizes community engagement and representation through advisory panels and youth leadership.

Work Programme Discussion 2026-2027

The panel was scheduled to discuss items for consideration for the 2026-27 Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny work programme. This discussion would help shape the future focus of the panel's scrutiny activities.

Commissioning of Future Reports

The panel was asked to note a work item scheduled for the meeting on 23 March 2026: an operational update from Tramshed. Tramshed is a community organisation that has faced challenges due to the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and funding changes. The panel was invited to specify any detailed requirements for this report to ensure its scope and content were relevant and effective for scrutiny.