Skillset to set up Communications Bill task force

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell has asked Skillset to set up a formal task force to implement recommendations made in the Independent Television Commissions (ITC) Programme Supply Review, published December 2002.
The task force, made up of senior figures from across the sector, will report back to OfCom on how best to implement the training remit of the Communications Bill.
Skillset Chair Clive Jones, Chief Executive of Carlton TV and Joint MD of ITV said: “Despite being the backbone of the industry, the training and development needs of our people, especially freelancers, can often be neglected. If we do not support them we will jeopardise our future growth and success. This task force gives the industry, in partnership with Skillset, a unique opportunity to lay foundations for a future where the development of our talent is at the heart of our business principles. If we don’t take action now competing globally will not be our main worry, survival will.”
Chief Executive of PACT, John McVay added: “It’s good news for independents and for the industry which relies so heavily on them to produce world class programming. Skillset and PACT have already done a lot of work to improve access to training for independents but the support of the industry as a whole is needed to make a real impact.”
Dinah Caine, Skillset Chief Executive said: “The issue of training in this sector was central to the recommendations of the Programme Supply Review and Skillset are pleased to have been charged with making recommendations to OfCom on what action can be taken to improve the skills, talent and company base, and ultimately the growth and productivity of the industry.”
Recommendations made by the ITC Programme Supply Review included improving training for freelancers and smaller independent producers, developing common definitions for training, and the monitoring and publishing of activity across the industry.
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries including the broadcast, film, video and interactive media Industries. Operating as independent, UK-wide organisations Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. Employer-led SSCs aim to actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in their relevant industry sectors.
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