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Employers, education and training providers, local authorities and stakeholders from across Kent and Medway came together on 3rd September 2026 to celebrate the official launch of the new Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-29.
Held at Chilston Park Hotel, the event marked an important milestone for the region, providing an opportunity to reflect on the collaborative work that has shaped the new employer-led plan while looking ahead to the delivery phase that will turn its priorities into action.
The event was opened by Tudor Price, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and featured contributions from Hamera Ahmad, Service Leader for Kent at the Department for Work and Pensions; Jonathan Shaw, Strategic Director at Kent Further Education; and Camilla Maurice, LSIP Project Manager at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.
A key theme throughout the event was the power of partnership. Speakers highlighted the vital role that employers, education providers, local authorities and skills organisations have played in developing the plan and the importance of maintaining those collaborative relationships throughout its delivery.
Speaking at the launch, Camilla Maurice emphasised that while the publication of the LSIP is an important achievement, it represents the beginning of the next stage rather than the end of the process.
“The publication is not the destination. It is the starting point for delivery.”
The new LSIP provides an employer-led roadmap for addressing workforce challenges and supporting economic growth across Kent and Medway. Developed through extensive employer engagement, it reflects the challenges and opportunities facing businesses, including recruitment difficulties, technical skills shortages, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green skills and changing workforce expectations.
The plan sets out priorities across six key sectors, alongside cross-cutting themes including employability skills, digital and AI capability, green skills, inclusive pathways into employment, and leadership and management. The aim is to strengthen talent pipelines, support workforce development and ensure the skills system remains responsive to the needs of businesses and residents alike.
Throughout the event, attendees heard how the success of the LSIP will depend on the collective contribution of partners across the region. Employers provide vital insight into changing industry needs, while education and training providers, local authorities and wider stakeholders play a crucial role in translating that intelligence into effective action.
The launch concluded with a strong call to action for organisations across Kent and Medway to continue contributing to the delivery of the plan and to help shape a skills system that supports both business success and individual opportunity.
As Kent and Medway moves into the next phase of the LSIP, the focus now turns to implementation, ensuring that the priorities identified by employers lead to meaningful, measurable change that benefits businesses, learners and communities across the region.
The plan is published. The direction is clear. The invitation is open. Now is the time to act, together.
To learn more about the Kent & Medway LSIP or explore opportunities to get involved in delivering its priorities, please contact lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk.
