Skills England: UK Standard Skills Classification: Interim Development Report

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Local Skills Improvement Plan
by Sarah Parrish

New Report Released: UK Standard Skills Classification – Interim Development

We are pleased to share the release of the UK Standard Skills Classification: Interim Development Report, published by Skills England. This report marks an important step towards creating a unified framework for skills classification across the UK.

What is the UK Standard Skills Classification?

The UK Standard Skills Classification (UKSSC) is being developed to provide a consistent way of describing and categorising skills. This initiative aims to:

  • Improve clarity and comparability of skills across sectors.
  • Support employers, educators, and policymakers in aligning training and workforce development.
  • Enable better data analysis for skills planning and labour market intelligence.

Why is this important for LSIPs?

Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) rely on accurate and standardised skills data to identify gaps and shape provision. The UKSSC will:

  • Help LSIPs map local skills needs against national standards.
  • Facilitate collaboration between education providers and employers.
  • Strengthen evidence-based decision-making for regional economic growth.

Key Highlights from the Interim Report

  • Framework Development: The report outlines progress in defining skill categories and descriptors.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Input from employers, education providers, and industry bodies has shaped the initial design.
  • Next Steps: Further consultation and refinement will continue into 2026, with a final version expected later that year.

Access the Report

You can read the full report on the UK Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-standard-skills-classification-interim-development-report