The Place Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to discuss the Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-30 and receive an update on the committee's work programme. The committee noted the new employment and skills strategy, which aims to create a more inclusive, resilient, and productive employment and skills system in Derbyshire by 2030.

Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-30

The committee received a presentation on the Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-30, which had been agreed by Cabinet on 10 September 2026. The strategy outlines the council's vision and objectives for improving employment and skills across the county, aiming to ensure that residents have the opportunities to access good-quality work and that employers can thrive. Key objectives include increasing the number of residents in employment, training, or education, and improving the skills and qualifications of the workforce.

The strategy identifies eight priority areas:

• Creating a joined-up supported employment programme.
• Supporting priority vulnerable groups into employment.
• Developing skills for the future.
• Supporting employers to obtain a skilled, inclusive workforce and upskill existing employees.
• Using the council as a lead inclusive employer.
• Supporting areas with the biggest barriers to employment and training.
• Improving the social value of the council's work.
• Ensuring system integration with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Louise Wilson, Head of Employment and Skills, and Alan Marsden, Interim Assistant Director – Sustainable Growth, presented the strategy. Members raised several questions regarding the accessibility of Youth Hubs, particularly in High Peak, and the establishment of new hubs. Louise Wilson confirmed that a Family Hub was anticipated in Gamesley in Q4, with Glossop being the next area considered. She also committed to sharing the accompanying Action Plan with the committee and contacting Councillor Melandra Smith regarding a potential Careers Fair event in High Peak. Councillor Melandra Smith expressed interest in working with officers to understand the reasons behind Electively Home Educated (EHE) young people's circumstances. Members also requested updated figures on apprenticeships and for Louise Wilson to liaise with Karl Apps regarding the Construction Hub in Staveley and potential options for Bolsover.

The committee noted the Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-30 and the work undertaken to develop it.

Work Programme 2026-27 Update

Following a meeting between the Chairman, Councillor Sam Redfern, and Claire Brailsford, Executive Director – Place, a list of potential items for the committee's 2026-27 work programme had been developed. These items had been circulated to members and would be allocated to future meetings of the committee.