Member Article

Uni signs up for skills pledge

Northumbria University has joined forces with the Learning and Skills Council and signed up to the Skills Pledge.

It means employees at the university can benefit from training and development opportunities and work towards a relevant Level 2 qualification, equivalent to a minimum of five A-C GCSE passes.

The Skills Pledge is a voluntary public commitment and is of particular importance to Northumbria University staff who underpin day-to-day operations, such as cleaning, catering, security, retail and transport staff, providing them with an opportunity to gain relevant qualifications.

Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: “Staff are the lifeblood of the University and, as a responsible employer, it is important that we continue to support the development of their skills and competencies.

“While we have recently announced a major investment to recruit 70 additional members of academic staff, to build on our strengths in research, innovation, teaching and employer engagement, we will continue to invest in our existing employees.

“Signing the Skills Pledge further demonstrates this commitment and supports our intention to be an employer of choice.”

Dorothy Smith, interim regional director, LSC North East added: “Making a public commitment to the skills development of the workforce is something the LSC North East would like all organisations to do.

“In the difficult times we are currently operating within, skills are even more important as we do all we can to ensure the North East, and the UK economy as a whole, remains highly skilled and competitive.

“Northumbria University is opening up their skills development opportunities to all staff, which will pay dividends in the future to the organisation and the individuals.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .