Islands Forum discusses sustainable economic growth at second meeting
The second Islands Forum on the Isle of Wight saw members come together to discuss sustained economic growth on the islands.
- Second Islands Forum takes place on the Isle of Wight to discuss path to sustainable economic growth
- Representatives from island communities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have all participated
- Forum agrees next steps to improve cooperation on skills, with next meeting set for autumn 2023 on connectivity
The second Islands Forum on the Isle of Wight saw members come together to discuss sustained economic growth on the islands (Thursday 25 May).
The Forum, which took place in Shanklin, brought islands together to discuss their skills ambitions, and was attended by council leaders and chief executives representing all eligible island communities from across the UK. The forum provided islands with the opportunity to share their perspectives on building flexible skills programmes, partnering effectively with local businesses and educational institutions, and encouraging lifelong learning.
The Levelling Up Secretary chaired the Forum on behalf of the UK Government and was supported by Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Minister Robert Halfon, Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison, and Scotland Office Minister Malcolm Offord. The devolved governments were also represented, with Scottish Government Minister Graeme Dey MSP, Welsh Government Minister Vaughan Gething MS, and Northern Ireland Civil Service Skills Initiatives Lead, Raymond Kelly, taking part. Bob Seely, MP for the Isle of Wight, also attended.
As part of the Forum’s commitment to sharing best practice and information, delegates from island authorities also saw first-hand several innovative skills programmes on the Isle of Wight, including CECAMM, the Isle of Wight College’s engineering campus, Wight Shipyard Co., UK Sailing Academy, and Teemill, a sustainable clothing company. UK Government also convened a discussion with the Migration Advisory Committee to enable islands to share their perspectives during its 2023 Shortage Occupation List call for evidence.
This forum followed a successful first forum in Orkney in September 2022 on net zero opportunities, including a discussion with the energy regulator, Ofgem, resulting in further island collaboration on net zero, and direct engagement with Ofgem, unlocking important investments for island communities.
Mr Gove confirmed that the next Islands Forum will take place in Scotland later this year. Officials from UK Government will work closely with islands on an agenda centred around connectivity.
Further information:
- Officials from the UK Government will progress agreed skills actions, working closely with islands leaders and the devolved governments.
- The next Islands Forum will take place in Scotland in autumn on connectivity.