New Economy strengthens team
An initiative aiming to boost the employment and skill levels in Greater Manchester has been launched by New Economy.
The strategic lead for economic growth in Greater Manchester is leading on the project bringing together a range of stakeholders working to a common agenda; driving the best possible skills and employment outcomes for the area's people and businesses.
A director of employment and skills is being appointed to work on behalf of New Economy, delivering objectives in line with the Greater Manchester strategy.
David Brennan, who has 15 years experience working in recruitment including previous roles as director of employment and skills for Liverpool City Council and as regional director of skills for the Legal Services Commission in the North West, will join New Economy from Monday 21 November.
The new position will involve Brennan working on behalf of the Greater Manchester skills and employment partnership to liaise closely with main stakeholders which include the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester's local enterprise partnership and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.
Brennan and his team will ensure the development, coordination and implementation of effective skills and employment policies across Greater Manchester.
New Economy added that the aim of the initiative is to provide expert analysis to identify where demand is not currently being met and to predict future market trends.
Cllr John Merry, chair of Greater Manchester's skills and employment partnership, said: "We're delighted to formally announce the partnership which for the first time brings together all the key players and allows us to drive forward our collective ambitions for skills and employment. We've set out a bold strategy to deliver on behalf of Greater Manchester and we're delighted that David will be joining us to lead this.
"Given the disappointing unemployment figures highlighted earlier this month, coupled with the already low skills base which Manchester suffers in comparison to peer cities in the UK and Europe, we know that David's role – and that of the partnership – will be no small task. However, I'm confident that David's extensive experience in this field, supporting by a strong and co-ordinated team of partners, will enable us to achieve success that is vital to Manchester's resilience as it faces ongoing challenges."
Within a report submitted to the Greater Manchester LEP, New Economy's Greater Manchester skills and employment partnership said it also needs to collaborate with the following groups, networks and organisations:
- Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network
- DWP providers, including Jobcentre Plus and Work Programme contractors
- The ten AGMA authorities
- Young Peoples' Learning Agency
- Skills Funding Agency
- Greater Manchester FE Colleges
- School sixth forms and sixth form colleges
- Centres of excellence for business and marketing
- Association of Colleges
- BIS local office
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Community and Voluntary Sector networks
- Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
- Trade bodies and associations
- Providers of wraparound services: NHS, Housing, Transport
