Improved Engagement of SMEs in the Employment and Skills Arena

Aim

The aim of the Task Group was to advise on actions which need to be taken to improve the engagement of Small and Medium Entreprises in accessing and utilising the available support to assist them in recruiting, upskilling and utilising their workforce more effectively to improve their business performance.

Objectives:
The Task Group would:

• review the research evidence and policies and programmes which support recruitment, upskilling and improved utilisation of skills within the workplace to identify how effective they are in engaging and addressing the needs of NI’s small businesses;
• identify key issues and barriers that face the small business sector in accessing and utilising the available support and programmes;
• identify best practice that is associated with engagement of SMEs in utilising and upskilling their workforce;
• develop and recommend mechanisms through which best practice could be taken on board by an increased number of small businesses in NI;
• provide the Adviser with an interim report on its findings by 31st January 2010 including recommendations for increasing the number of small businesses accessing and utilising programmes of support to improve their business performance; and
• provide the Adviser with a final draft report on the Task Group’s activities, findings and recommendations by March 2010.
  
  This report is now available on our publications page.