BBC and Skillset set framework for collaboration on skills

The BBC and Skillset today signed a Memorandum Of Understanding to promote education and learning across the audio visual industry in order to stimulate creativity and cultural excellence.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has evolved from the BBCís Charter and Agreement which came into effect on 1st January this year, and Skillsetís Television Skills Strategy, announced in July 2006. The Charter outlines the BBCís training responsibilities to the wider industry and the need to further develop strategic partnerships to implement these objectives.

The mutual framework outlined in the MOU enables Skillset, as the Sector Skills Council, to support the BBC in developing skills across the UK and at every level to ensure that the industry remains creative, productive and globally competitive.

The two parties will work on joint action plans across training in television, radio and interactive skills. In addition, they will continue to develop and work on film training initiatives developed by Skillset in partnership with the UK Film Council and in support of the BBCís MOUís with the UK Film Council as well as the 14-19 Creative and Media Diploma and the Olympics skills and education legacy.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General ìThe BBC is committed to supporting high quality training for the BBC and the UK media sector. We need to make sure that we have a skilled workforce fit for the digital on-demand future. Working in partnership with outside organisations such as Skillset is vital to ensure we deliver effective support for the UKís creative economy.î

Dinah Caine, CEO of Skillset ìWe welcome this initiative which recognises our working relationship with the BBC in developing sector specific and national and regional action plans to enrich creativity in all its forms and to support a diverse UK production base. This joint commitment to build a strong partnership in knowledge and skills of this dynamic workforce will contribute to improving the overall skills levels of the UKís creative media industries. î

This collaboration enables Skillset and the BBC to share objectives and activities to support the promotion of media literacy in society and of diversity within the workforce. The two parties will also work closely to develop both skills and businesses in the North of England to link with development of Media City and the moving of some key BBC departments to Salford in 2011.

The BBC is the largest single contributor to Skillset and there will be senior BBC representation on the Skillset Board.The Memorandum of Understanding will be reviewed annually by the BBC and Skillset.