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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 website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Skills Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Monday 15 June 2026. The meeting noted the interim evaluation report for the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Programme's first year and endorsed the proposed role of the Skills Board in stewarding the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) through a Priority Sponsor model.
Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Year One - Interim Evaluation Report
The Committee received an interim evaluation report on the first year of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Programme, produced by the Learning and Work Institute. The report highlighted that provision was effectively tailored to young people's needs, with a voluntary, low-pressure, and accessible environment being positive features. However, challenges were identified, including capacity pressures within delivery teams, difficulties in supporting young people with mental health needs, and issues around transport links affecting accessibility. The report recommended strengthening the programme's monitoring capacity, adopting a journey-focused approach to provision, re-mapping needs and provision across the region, convening delivery providers, amplifying the role of the programme board, and improving transport links. The delivery team outlined how these recommendations would shape Year 2 delivery, focusing on a pathway-based approach and preventing drop-offs.
Adult Skills Review 2024/25 and Future Planning
The Committee considered 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, reaching priority groups and places effectively. However, it highlighted 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 for the period 2026-29. The Committee endorsed the overall assessment and strategic direction and recommended its approval to the Combined Authority Board.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), Submission and Transition to Delivery
An update was provided 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 awaiting approval from 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
The Committee was informed that Skills Bootcamp funding for 2026/27 is now devolved to the Combined Authority and forms part of the consolidated Adult Skills Fund. A recommendation was made to the Combined Authority Board to approve the utilisation of £2m of the total £13.4m 2026/27 Adult Skills allocation for Skills Bootcamps. Delegated authority was also sought for 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 for new provision.
Post 16 Capacity Skills Capital Funding
An update was provided on the development of the Full Business Case for the Post-16 Capacity and Construction Skills Capital Programme. This £12.5 million DfE-funded programme aims to increase post-16 capacity, expand construction and technical skills provision, and support employer demand. The programme will fund capital projects across FE Colleges and Sixth Forms. The Committee was invited to provide feedback and commentary to inform ongoing programme design and delivery.
Thematic Committees: Review of Terms of Reference
The Committee reviewed proposed amendments to its Terms of Reference. Key changes included updating governance arrangements to reflect the Combined Authority's constitution and clarifying the committee's functions. The Committee reviewed and commented on the proposed amendments and recommended their acceptance and incorporation into the Combined Authority's Constitution for approval by the Combined Authority Board.
Budget & Performance Report
The Committee received an update on the financial position of the Skills Division for the financial year 2025/26 to March 2026. The report was noted by the Committee.
Skills Board Update
An update was received on the Skills Board meetings held on 27th April and 18th May 2026. Discussions included feedback on the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the Teacher Industry Exchange, and Skills Bootcamps.
Work Programme
The Committee noted its Work Programme for the upcoming period.
The meeting also included the appointment of Councillor Eileen Wilson as Vice-Chair and the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, subject to a minor amendment. One public question was received regarding the decline in adult skills enrolment and the potential for a new lifelong learning centre. The response indicated that the decline was not necessarily linked to a lack of physical premises and that future infrastructure opportunities would be kept under review.
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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Post Capacity Skills Capital Funding
Recommendations approvedThe Skills Committee, Funding Committee, and Combined Authority Board decided to approve recommendations on 15/06/2026. They noted the development of the Full Business Case for the Post-16 Capacity and Construction Skills Capital Programme and agreed to provide feedback to inform its design and delivery.
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