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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, discussing a range of topics focused on improving skills and employment opportunities across the region. Key decisions included noting the findings of the Adult Skills Funding Review 2024/25 and endorsing its strategic direction, approving the utilisation of £2 million of devolved Skills Bootcamps funding for 2026/27, and noting the submission of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029.
Appointment of Vice-Chair
Councillor Eileen Wilson was unanimously appointed as Vice-Chair of the Committee, proposed by Councillor Lucy Nethsingha and seconded by Councillor Edna Murphy.
Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Year One - Interim Evaluation Report
The Committee noted the interim independent evaluation report from the Learning and Work Institute, which outlined early findings from the first year of the CPCA Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Programme. The report highlighted that provision was effectively tailored to young people's needs, with voluntary participation and a low-pressure environment being positive features. However, challenges were identified, including capacity pressures within delivery teams, difficulties supporting young people with mental health needs, and issues around transport links affecting accessibility. Recommendations included strengthening the programme's monitoring capacity, 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
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, with strong reach into priority groups and places. However, it highlighted a need for sharper prioritisation, a stronger focus on progression and outcomes, and more deliberate alignment with economic growth priorities. The Committee endorsed the overall assessment and strategic direction set out in the report, recommending its approval to the Combined Authority Board. It was agreed that the findings would inform future commissioning, performance management, and strategic planning for adult skills for the period 2026-29.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), Submission and Transition to Delivery
The Committee noted that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 had been submitted to Skills England and was pending approval by the Secretary of State, expected in June/July 2026. The Committee also 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, ensuring continued employer-led oversight and system leadership, was endorsed.
Skills Bootcamps
The Committee noted that Skills Bootcamp funding for 2026/27 is now devolved to the Combined Authority and forms part of the consolidated Adult Skills Fund. They 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. Furthermore, they recommended that the Combined Authority Board delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy, working with the Assistant Director for Skills and Employment, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, to extend and vary existing Wave 6 contracts, enter into grant funding agreements and contracts for delivery, and undertake procurement exercises for new provision.
Post 16 Capacity Skills Capital Funding
The Committee received an update on the development of the Full Business Case for the Post-16 Capacity and Construction Skills Capital Programme. This £14.5 million 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 and the delivery of the local growth plan. 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 and commented on proposed amendments to their Terms of Reference, as shown in Appendix A of the report. They recommended to the Combined Authority Board that these revisions be accepted and incorporated into the Combined Authority's Constitution.
Budget & Performance Report
The Committee noted the financial position of the Skills Division for the financial year 2025/26 to March 2026.
Skills Board Update
The Committee received the Action Sheets from the Skills Board meetings held on 27th April and 18th May 2026.
Work Programme
The Committee noted its Work Programme.
Public Questions
One public question was received from Mr. Carpen regarding the decline in adult skills enrolment and the possibility of building a new lifelong learning college near the proposed Cambridge East Station. The official response explained that the reduction in participation reflected changes in enrolment across adult skills and tailored learning provision, and did not necessarily indicate a lack of physical premises. The response also highlighted the shared responsibility for adult skills infrastructure and welcomed the Department for Education's capital funding award to support skills infrastructure improvements. The Combined Authority stated it would keep future infrastructure opportunities under review, including in relation to the Cambridge Airport site, and was focused on working with partners like Homes England. The Chair added that Cambridge already had significant education provision and that expanding take-up was more about mobile provision than building new sites.
Director's Highlight Report
The Committee noted the contents of the Director's Highlight Report, which provided an overview of progress on skills across a number of fronts. This included updates on the £5 million extension to the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer and the launch of the Get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Working Plan, which aims to reach 80% economic activity. The report also mentioned Skills Capital funding and additional opportunities coming through. Councillor Mark Goldsack requested a written update on the FE Cold Spots programme, noting concerns about progress in Selma and East Cambridgeshire. Councillor Noir asked for an update on the potential expansion of the youth employment hub model in Fenland, and it was confirmed that an additional hub space would be based in the Fen district, with procurement underway. Councillor Edna Murphy expressed interest in understanding how the roadmap to the 80% employment rate would work, particularly regarding long-term sick and those with learning difficulties. Councillor Cole thanked the Combined Authority for its support of the Sparks Awards in Peterborough.
Forward Plan
The Committee noted the CPCA's Forward Plan.
Minutes of the previous meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on 9th March 2026 were approved as an accurate record, subject to the inclusion of Councillor Mark Goldsack's apologies. The Action Log was also noted.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 14 September 2026 at 10am in the CPCA Meeting Room, Pathfinder House, Huntingdon PE29 3TN.
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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Adult Skills Review 2024/25
Recommendations approvedThe Audit and Governance Committee resolved to note an update on the ethical framework, including Code of Conduct complaints, and to recommend updates to the Constitution and Code of Conduct to the Combined Authority Board. They also approved an updated Gifts and Hospitality Policy, with a registration threshold of £50.
The Skills Committee resolved to note the findings of the Adult Skills Funding Review 2024/25 and to recommend its approval to the Combined Authority Board. They also recommended that the review's findings inform future commissioning, performance management, and strategic planning for adult skills.
The Audit and Governance Committee resolved to recommend the approval of updated Terms of Reference to the Combined Authority Board. These updates include references to financial management effectiveness, value for money responsibilities, and the ability to establish working groups.
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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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