Launch of New Vision for TV industry
Creative Industries Minister Launches New Vision for TV industry
Skillset Academies announced as part of industry-wide talent and skills development strategy
Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism, Shaun Woodward MP, today launched a new strategy focusing on developing the talent and creativity of the TV industry and its workforce. The Minister welcomed the unified approach the industry has agreed and the priority it has given to maintaining and improving the skills of its workforce to keep it at the forefront of a competitive, global business. The TV Skills Strategy has been developed by the industry with and through Skillset, the Sector Skills Council.
The broadcast industries are valuable commodities in the UK economy contributing £6.2bn in 2003 - an increase from £3.5bn in 1997. The estimated total revenue from the sale of UK TV programmes internationally was £632 million in 2005, an increase of 21% from 2004. And despite a highly qualified workforce - Skillset's recently published Workforce Survey shows that 69% are graduates compared to 16% of the UK workforce as a whole - there are significant skills gaps and shortages. Also, although the industry is oversubscribed in terms of new entrants, industry feedback consistently highlights a lack of skills and industry awareness amongst entry level staff. The informal recruitment methods relied upon within the industry have also led to challenges in ensuring a diverse workforce.
Shaun Woodward MP, Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism, speaking at the industry launch event at BAFTA in London, said:
"Any industry's greatest resource is its people. The new TV Skills Strategy will ensure that the broadcasting industry develops the talent and creativity of its workforce to maintain the UK's position on the global stage. There has already been good progress, notably the agreement between Ofcom, Skillset and the industry to deliver a new co-regulatory framework through the establishment of the Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator (BTSR). And I'm pleased to welcome the agreement reached by the BBC and Skillset to develop a memorandum of understanding to clearly identify the further strategic development of the BBC's training and skills policy for the wider industry, as called for by the Government in the recent BBC White Paper."
"I am particularly pleased to announce that applications to become a Skillset Academy open today. This network of centres of excellence will provide the right mix of creative and commercial skills which are vital in influencing and developing tomorrow's TV talent. This Skillset Academy Network will cement lasting relationships between industry and further and higher education institutions for mutual benefit."
The TV Skills Strategy covers all skills, education and business development needs of the industry and identifies priority areas for action for both the existing workforce and new entrants ranging from developing a new creative and media diploma for 14-19 year olds and establishing Skillset Academies to an induction programme for junior staff and an industry agreed formula for investing in freelancers.
John McVay, Chief Executive of Pact, and Chair of the TV Skills Strategy Committee, made up of industry representatives, which guides Skillset's work in television, said:
"Success for all businesses across the industry - small, medium and large -producers and broadcasters is directly related to how we nurture and develop the skills and talent in our workforce. Creativity and quality are our greatest assets in a global market. This strategy ensures that we will continue to invest across our industry from new entrants to new skills for experienced professionals. The strategy has engaged all parts of the industry and it is their commitment and determination to ensure that it delivers that will make the difference."
Clive Jones, Chair of Skillset and Chief Executive, ITV News and Regions. said:
"Our ability to thrive commercially runs parallel with the skills and abilities of individuals in the workforce. Investing in them and their ongoing professional development is one of the most positive impacts we can have on our industry's performance and growth."
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said:
"The TV Skills Strategy helps underpin the success of the industry on a range of fronts. With industry wide backing and increased investment we can support more businesses and individuals in accessing skills development tailored to their specific needs. The strategy also plays a significant role in improving diversity of the workforce. The ultimate benefit being industry gets the best talent available from a wider cross section of the UK which more accurately reflects the make up of today's diverse audiences."
Over the last 10 years Skillset has invested over £20m in the TV workforce on behalf of the industry. For every £1 of industry money invested, Skillset has secured at least another £1 in public funds enabling more than 12,000 freelancers, 70 Indies and 800 new entrants to benefit directly.
The strategy is part of Skillset's Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) negotiated between industry, education and government and its public agencies and will be funded through a mixture of industry and public investment. A new fund - the TV Freelance Fund - has been established to address freelance skills issues. It is expected this fund will total £1.5m per year with contributions from the major broadcasters and cable and satellite companies, and from the independent producers through the Independent Producer's Training Fund (IPTF).
The Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator (BTSR) - which was established by the Communications Act 2003 - will support the implementation of the strategy. The BTSR brings together the television and radio broadcasters, Skillset and Ofcom in a unique co-regulatory partnership in which the parties work together to ensure training is relevant to the industry's needs. It also requires organisations across the industry to complete and submit personnel development plans for the workforce against which will they will report annually.
The strategy will also establish centres of excellence in further and higher education which will be endorsed as providing the highest standard of industry related teaching. Applications to become a Skillset Academy are now open with education institutions across the UK invited to submit a proposal covering provision relating to TV and interactive media. The successful applicants will be announced by the end of the year and will provide a focal point for the industries limited support and resources. For more information visit: http://www.skillset.org/
ENDS
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 mailto:andrewc@skillset.org
- 1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (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.
- 2. The Skills for Business network is made up of 25 Sector Skills Councils - each one is an employer-led, independent organisation. The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) underpins the network and is responsible for funding, supporting and monitoring the SSCs.
- 3. Skillset's Workforce Survey of the audio visual industries took place in 2005 and almost 7000 media professionals participated. For the full results, which were published in June 2006, visit http://www.skillset.org/
- 4. The TV Freelance Fund is made up of contributions from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, five, Pact via the Independent Producers Training Fund (PITF) and cable and satellite companies. It replaces the FTF (Freelance Training Fund) which received contributions from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Pact.
- 5. The BBC White Paper, published in March 2006, outlined the BBC's training obligations both company and industry wide. For more information visit: http://www.bbccharterreview.org.uk/
Eve Ragout
Press & Public Affairs Manager
Skillset | Prospect House | 80-110 New Oxford Street | London | WC1A 1HB
T: 020 7520 5752 | M: 07968 010 325 | F: 020 7520 5758
