Tees Valley employers invited to shape LSIP

Employers across the Tees Valley are being asked to help influence the region’s future skills priorities.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has launched an employer survey to inform a new three-year Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for the Tees Valley, covering the period from 2026 to 2029. 

As the area’s Employer Representative Body, the NECC is gathering feedback on current and future skills needs to support business growth.

The survey is open to all employers, with a particular focus on sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, construction and digital industries. 

Responses will feed into a statutory report submitted in May 2026, helping influence legally binding skills provision and supporting the region’s ambition to create 3500 jobs each year.

John McCabe, chief executive at the NECC, said: “It is so important that businesses in the Tees Valley give their views on skills to shape the new LSIP. 

“LSIPs make real and practical changes to curriculum and courses.

“The more businesses that get involved, the more comprehensive the plan, so I would urge any business to fill in a survey, attend a roundtable or agree to be interviewed.”

Rachel Anderson, assistant director of policy at the NECC, added: “LSIPs are a real opportunity for employers to shape the skills offer in the Tees Valley to meet their needs and it is really worthwhile getting involved. 

“LSIPs are statutory documents and providers must adhere to them when designing provision and it forms part of Ofsted inspections. 

“The more input we have from employers, the better we can make provision. 

“The last LSIP led to investment in skills and material change to provide the skills and courses employers had asked for.”  

The survey should take 5-10 minutes for employers to complete and is open until February 20. 

Tees Valley employers can take part in the survey here. 

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