Tender Opportunity: LSIP Phase 2 Communication Skills Project
Date published:
Following the successful acceptance of the North of Tyne and Tees Valley LSIPs by the Secretary of State in July 2023, marking the completion of phase 1, we now move into phase 2 of the project. This phase allows us to delve deeper into the issues highlighted during the initial LSIP research.
Communication Skills:
In both the North of Tyne and Tees Valley LSIPs, employers consistently emphasised the lack of communication skills among both the existing workforce and prospective employees. They noted a regression in verbal communication skills, particularly since the pandemic, with individuals often relying heavily on technology for communication or struggling to meet the demands of client-facing roles.
Employers identified a deficiency in communication skills and an underlying lack of confidence in candidates as significant barriers to filling vacancies. While technical competencies can often be taught, employers find it more challenging to instill self-confidence and business-oriented communication skills in candidates.
Although many educational courses include modules on employability and some aspects of communication skills, these skills do not seem to translate effectively into the workplace. Employers highlighted shortcomings in areas such as professional client communication, oracy, active listening, verbal telephone skills, and basic body language.
The communication skills issue cut across various company sizes and sectors, affecting over 95% of the employers interviewed. It was not restricted to any particular age group and was observed among both new hires and the existing workforce.
Deep Dive Project:
After consulting with College principals, employers, and other education specialists across the North of Tyne and Tees Valley LSIP areas, there is consensus on the need for a deep dive exercise to achieve the following objectives:
- Determine which aspects of existing provision are effective and warrant further investment.
- Identify why current provision is failing to transition effectively into the workplace and meet employers’ needs.
- Recommend changes necessary to address the identified shortcomings.
Project Outcomes:
The project aims to produce a set of recommendations for educational institutions and commissioning bodies on how provision can be enhanced to better align with employers’ requirements.
Methodology:
Working collaboratively with the Chamber LSIP team and providers, external consultants will:
- Analyse the LSIP phase 1 evidence base and conduct additional research with employers, providers, teachers, and students.
- Review existing research to identify best practices.
- Develop recommendations for improvement.
Timescale:
Submission of Expressions of Interest – 03/05/2024
Shortlisting and selection – 12/05/2024
Commencement of Fieldwork – Approximately 01/06/2024
Presentation of Interim Findings – 26/07/2024
Project Completion – 30/08/2024
Please submit expressions of interest in the first instance to [email protected] by close of business on the 3rd May 2024.