Skills are increasingly at the forefront of policy. The UK Government aims for us to become the most skilled economy in the world. But what do “skills” mean in practice?  Is it all about qualifications? The Scottish Centre for Regeneration commissioned Skills Pack to help people through the process of identifying the skills they need and understanding how to gain those skills. Hall Aitken has recently completed their evaluation of this Skills Pack.

The need to develop the right skills
Skills are increasingly at the forefront of policy. The UK Government aims for us to become the most skilled economy in the world. Not only is there a general sense that the knowledge economy is the way of the future, but there have been several new strategies published in the last few months backing this. England’s World Class Skills: the Leitch Implementation Plan for England strategy was published in the summer and Scotland followed in September with Skills for Scotland: a Lifelong Skills Strategy. Northern Ireland and Wales are developing their skills strategies, and skills have also taken a prominent place in Scotland’s Government Economic Strategy, published in November.

But what do “skills” mean in practice? Is it all about qualifications? World Class Skills talks about economically valuable skills that are relevant and valuable to individuals, employers and the economy. Skills help people do their jobs better.

Finding a way to support skills development in regeneration
In 2005 a survey commissioned by the Scottish Centre for Regeneration (SCR) found that 84% of people working in regeneration felt they needed more skills for their job. In response, SCR commissioned a Skills Framework of skills needed in regeneration and the Learning in Regeneration Skills Pack, to help people through the process of identifying the skills they need and understanding how to gain those skills. Hall Aitken has recently completed their evaluation of the Skills Pack.

We found there is a broad interest in learning and skills. There have been more than 2,800 orders for packs so far. These have covered all Scottish Local Authority areas, a wide range of sectors within regeneration, and people from management down to frontline staff. Most people who ordered the pack have read it and found it useful and interesting. It is adaptable to different need, with a CD-ROM full of worksheets to edit, and a wide range of references, tools and tips. And importantly, it focuses on matching the needs of the organisation with individuals’ natural talents and learning styles. This makes skills development more satisfying and lasting.

Using the pack
Some people who ordered the pack have used key sections that fit a particular project they were working on. Others have identified their skills needs and started to think about how best to address them. Others have made the time to focus on the tools throughout the pack, and have been able to transform their effectiveness. Good examples of this include the Central Scotland Forest Trust, who used the Skills Pack to adapt their organisation’s learning to fit a new structure, and the participants in the Leaders in Regeneration programme, who have started to transform the way they work.

What it takes to get started
All this may sound good, but if you feel your organisation is more likely to just keep focusing on getting work done in the old, less efficient way, consider the tips we found help to catalyse action.

• Developing skills needs to be part of something an organisation or group wants to achieve – where people have a clear outcome to the process, everyone can more easily buy into the work involved and start to improve their skills.
• Senior management support for the process increases the chance of people actually making time to work through the pack and follow through on their learning. It is considered a valid use of their time.
• People prefer to work in groups – there is moral support, a wider range of insights, and it is easier to set aside time if other people are involved.
• A facilitator, often someone from outside the group, can help to give guidance, momentum and moral support to the group.
• Trainers interested in the pack find it easier to use the pack when they have backing from a sponsor for the group.
• Identifying learning needs is only the start – it is important to have the resources and commitment to follow the learning plan through and see results.

Whether you are a trainer looking for tools to support your work in helping others develop, or you are part of an organisation adapting to changing roles, the Skills Pack could be just what you need. 

Taking the first steps to improved skills
If you are interested in finding out more about the pack, the first step is to review the guide to the pack on SCR’s website. It will introduce the pack, show how it can be relevant to you, direct you to the most useful sections for your needs, and point you to support. You can find the Guide at the link below and order a free copy of the Skills Pack itself by calling 08456 000 111.

Link to Scottish Centre for Regeneration 'Learning in Regeneration Skills Pack'

If you would like to discuss how it might fit your needs, you can phone SCR on 0141 419 1690. They can help you think through the best approaches for you. If you are in Scotland, they may also be able to guide you to facilitation or other support you need to get started.

Further information on our evaluation is available from Sabrina Allison on 0141 225 5514, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it