Skillset welcomes training focus in Governments BBC Green Paper
2nd March 2005. SKILLSET welcomes the focus on training included in the Green Paper on the review of the BBC's Royal Charter published today. The Government endorsed the contribution the BBC makes via Skillset and called for its continued support in training development across the industry through Skillset. The Green Paper also said the BBC had a wider brief beyond training as a large employer and urged the corporation to play a cross industry role.
"The BBC plays a pivotal role in skills development across the audio visual industries. The quality of the skills base on which the industry depends is crucial to its long term growth and productivity in both broadcasting and in film. We are especially encouraged by the Green papers comments on the need for the BBC to contribute to training in film and look forward to their continued involvement in A Bigger Future, the UK film skills strategy. The Governments endorsement of the BBC's contribution to skills and training and its continued support of Skillset is a welcome assurance for the future success of the industry as a whole."
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE:
Eve Ragout
020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325
eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
- The BBC should continue to provide training on a significant scale. Its training function should not be seen only as a byproduct of its role as a large employer. In preparing and maintaining highly skilled media workforce, the BBC's training programmes make a significant contribution to its public purpose of stimulating creativity. We also welcome the contribution the BBC makes to the development of training across the industry more widely - in particular through Skillset, the sector skills council for the audiovisual industries.
- The BBC provides opportunities and experience to thousands of workers in the creative sector. It cites Radio 3 as the largest commissioner of new music in the world and Radio 4 is one of the largest commissioners of new writing. It also provides a significant programme of formal training. There is no formal commercial alternative on anything like the same scale, although research carried out for PACT (the independent producers' trade association) suggests that the independent sector invests over £30 million each year, mostly in 'on the job' training.
- The BBC has a unique ability to inspire, support and showcase the work of the best of the UK's creative talent. Many artists and performers receive huge support from the BBC, and our cultural landscape is richer for it. The BBC's film strategy should reflect other aspects of BBC strategy, including its commitment to original content, its contribution to skills development and training and the way in which it reflects the UK's cultural identity and its different communities.
"The BBC plays a pivotal role in skills development across the audio visual industries. The quality of the skills base on which the industry depends is crucial to its long term growth and productivity in both broadcasting and in film. We are especially encouraged by the Green papers comments on the need for the BBC to contribute to training in film and look forward to their continued involvement in A Bigger Future, the UK film skills strategy. The Governments endorsement of the BBC's contribution to skills and training and its continued support of Skillset is a welcome assurance for the future success of the industry as a whole."
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE:
Eve Ragout
020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325
eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
- Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries covering Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. SSCs are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
- The Green Paper, the response to the CMS Select Committee and the Cragg, Ross and Dawson research can be accessed at www.bbccharterreview.org.uk
