Skillset call for feedback from Radio industry
9 July 2007
Skillset are requesting feedback on their radio skills strategy initiative through their online consultation software. Radio industry personnel can comment on key skills issues and how Skillset's strategy addresses factors that shape the sector.
The strategy has been developed in consultation with industry and the Radio Skills Development Forum and is intended to provide a clear picture of the size and scope of the business and to focus on the skills and development requirements for its future.
The strategy is intended to:
- Identify key shared industry priorities at the same time as recognizing more sector-specific skills needs
- Provide a coherent framework to inform education, training and development provision for the radio industry
- Offer a basis for developing an action plan to meet industry needs: drawing together existing good practice, effective on-going activities and new initiatives.
Underlying the development of this strategy are the shared industry aims of raising the profile of radio to create a better understanding of the industry and the wide range of job opportunities it offers, and improving diversity in recruitment, in the widest sense - so the radio workforce can better reflect all the communities it serves in terms of ethnicity, disability and socio-economic background.
Marina Huey, HR & Development Manager, BBC Audio & Music, and Chair of the Radio Skills Development Forum said:
"The Radio Skills Strategy is a significant step forward for the whole industry. It identifies priorities for development where the various sectors can collaborate, rather than compete. The key to future-proofing ongoing skills needs is the ability to respond quickly and flexibly to changing requirements, while recognising that each organisation has different business needs and interests."
Trevor Dann, Director of the Radio Academy said:
"This skills strategy has been a year in the making and has involved consultation with all the key players in radio. However, if it's going to be a real success and make a sustainable difference to the skills supply in our rapidly changing business we need feedback from all sectors of the industry. I urge everyone in the industry to get involved by registering your views online."
Lisa Kerr, Director of External Affairs, Radio Centre said:
"Commercial Radio has a long and proud history of developing new talent and supporting its staff as their careers develop. The Radio Skills Strategy is an important opportunity for Commercial Radio to dovetail its work with that being undertaken in other areas of radio in the interests of the sector as a whole. Radio is a great industry to work in and, by working collaboratively; we can raise awareness of the opportunities we offer and the effectiveness of our training and development. Commercial Radio should, and will, play its part in continuing to develop the Radio Skills Strategy on behalf of today's talented radio professionals and the new bright hopes for the future."
The radio consultation will be launched at the Cambridge Radio Festival on 10 July and feedback can be registered at:
Radio Skills Strategy 2007 Consultation
ENDS
Skillset Press Office
Tel: 020 7713 9812 press@skillset.org
Notes to Editors
1. Skillset works with national and local public service broadcasters like the BBC, commercial stations owned by the likes of GCap Media, community radio organisations like Radio Regen and also voluntary and training organisations who produce radio programmes and offer training such as CSV Media. They also liaise with Higher and Further Education providers which offer courses in radio production and technology.
2. The Radio Skills Development Forum is a joint body created by the Radio Academy in partnership with Skillset. Its membership includes representatives of major employers, trade associations and other key stakeholders.
3. The Radio Sector Strategy is the latest in a series of such skills strategies developed by Skillset in partnership with different sectors including film, TV and interactive media. These strategies provide a basis for:
The design and provision of vocational education and training for their industry
The sharing of good practice, collaboration and partnership between employers in relation to workforce skills development
Policy making and funding of skills development by Government and its public agencies
4. 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.