Hertfordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan Survey: Life sciences focus group

Putting employers at the heart of local skills systems, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce held a focus group discussion specifically addressing life sciences - with Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE sitting on the panel.

The meeting brought together educators, trainers and businesses to provide input to their Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) and to facilitate direct and dynamic working arrangements between them. 

The high potential for growth within life sciences means that there is a need to provide skills at all points along the supply chain. This can be addressed through the great training resources that already exist, and the spirit of cooperation within the region.

Other areas of discussion included encouraging women to aspire to all aspects of STEM skills not just life sciences - and to help provide support that enables women to progress to the same level of seniority as their male counterparts. Further focus should also be on encouraging over 50s back to work and the re-training of all ages to adapt to new opportunities in the region, e.g. the cell and gene cluster in Stevenage.

A boost to the profile of the region would highlight its many benefits and both reduce the leakage of talented employees out of the region and attract new employees to the area.