The industry's response
Below are responses from key industry figures to the Leitch Review following its publication in December 2006:
Stewart Till, Chairman and CEO of United International Pictures, said:
"Through Skillset our Sector Skills Council, the British film industry has developed a comprehensive Sector Skills Agreement which is already making a real and long term difference to our ability to stay ahead of our competitors around the world and build on our growth potential. I'm encouraged by the recommendations of the Leitch Review and hope that the Government now puts greater weight behind the Sector Skills Agreement process."
Clive Jones, Chief Executive of ITV News and Regions, said:
"Without doubt, by working through Skillset, our Sector Skills Council, we as an industry have achieved far more together than we ever could have working independently. The sector approach unites employers, trade unions and trade organisations fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration resulting in a more streamlined and targeted response to addressing the skills agenda. I welcome the Leitch Review's findings and trust the Government listens and delivers on its promise of real influence so we can start making the changes needed for our industry and the economy to thrive."
Andrew Chitty, Managing Director, Illumina Digital, said:
"Today's backing for Skillset and for the central role industry has to play in setting the skills agenda is a very welcome development. The Leitch Review has endorsed the sector-based approach and I hope this signals a renewed commitment to SSCs from the Government with the support and resources we need to get the job done."
Ian Livingstone, Product Acquisitions Director, Eidos, said
"Sector Skills Councils help industry to cut through the complexity and bureaucracy of the training and education system and the funding bodies related to it. Skillset has done this for the computer games sector through our Sector Skills Agreement but to implement that agreement to full effect the Government needs to follow through on the recommendations we've heard from the Leitch Review today."
Donald Emslie, Chief Executive, SMG plc, said:
"Industry must provide clear leadership when it comes to influencing skills and training because the success of our industry in Scotland is so heavily reliant on the skills and talent of the workforce. I therefore welcome today's endorsement of Skillset and other Sector Skills Councils and hope that this will lead to greater support and powers from the Scottish Parliament, particularly at this crucial time during the current review of Scotland's Lifelong Learning Strategy being undertaken by the Scottish Executive. Working in partnership to common goals will help us lead the way forward in the drive to improve skills and productivity across the workforce."
Iona Jones, Chief Executive, S4C, said:
"As a Sector Skills Council Skillset places the industry in Wales at the heart of its solutions meeting the skills challenges facing our sector and this has been the most effective way to make those problems a thing of the past. I'm pleased by the Leitch Reviews recommendations and I look forward to renewed Government and Assembly support and resources to enable our industry to capitalise on future growth and opportunities."
Martin Spence, Assistant General Secretary, BECTU, said:
"We are delighted that the Leitch Review supports a sector-based approach to skills and training. In the audio visual industries we have worked through Skillset to help our members and others build their careers in the industry, and tackle skills challenges. Where unions and employers are committed to it, the sector-based approach works."
