Research at Skills England
Skills England’s research interests, surveys and available data.
Skills England brings together social research, analysis, data and statistics to provide high-quality evidence that informs the delivery of Skills England’s priorities.
This involves us carrying out and commissioning research and analysis.
Research engagement
We aim to raise awareness of our current and future research. Skills England’s Areas of Research Interest (ARI) publication is due to be published later this year. It sets out our research priorities and will be made available on the Skills England homepage on GOV.UK.
Email us at skillsengland.analysisandinsight@dwp.gov.uk for more information.
Live studies for research projects
Skills England produces research, analysis and statistics to build strong evidence on skills, training and labour market needs, helping to inform policy and decision making.
Employer Skills Survey 2026
Skills England is leading on the delivery of the 2026 Employer Skills Survey. IFF Research, a social and market research agency, is carrying out this survey on our behalf.
The Employer Skills Survey is conducted with the Department for Education, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government.
The 2024 Employer Skills Survey covered England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland and asked questions about:
- recruitment difficulties and skills lacking from applicants
- skills lacking from existing employees
- engagement with schemes to nurture the skills pipeline and apprenticeships
- the nature and scale of training, including employers’ monetary investment
- anticipated needs for skill development in the next 12 months
- engagement with artificial intelligence
The 2026 survey will cover similar topics.
Research publications
You can find our research reports, official statistics and datasets on our Research and statistics page.
Research contracts
Our external research is commissioned through open competition by Crown Commercial Services. You can find a list of current research contracts on Contracts Finder.
For more information and advice about research contracts, email serviceops.research@crowncommercial.gov.uk.
Quality and standards
All external research must meet the quality standards expected of Skills England and wider government researchers and analysts. We follow Government Social Research guidelines and ensure rigorous quality processes throughout the commissioning and publication processes.
Our analysts use a style guide and templates, and follow other guidance, including from Government Analysis Function, to make sure our research is consistent, reliable and of the highest standard.