Sector Skills Bodies Group Website

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Welcome to the Sector Skills Bodies Group Website

Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) are employer led organisations responsible for identifying and representing the skills needs of the sector they represent. These include:

• Sector Information and Research
• Developing and maintaining National Occupational Standards
• Qualifications Strategies
• Learning Frameworks

Business sector SSBs support the skills needs of close to 5 million workers, some 15% of the workforce, across a range of significant industries ranging from beauty therapy to security.  Cross sector SSBs are responsible for skills needed in almost every business in the UK such as administration, management, accountancy and health and safety.

Many SSBs contract with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and other Government agencies for work in these areas and have to meet the same quality criteria as Sector Skills Councils. Alliances are being formed between individual SSBs and Sector Skills Councils to improve coherence and to ensure that all employers’ needs are included in Government skills initiatives.

The SSB Group aligns with the Sector Skills Alliance where possible to develop coherent multi-sectoral and whole-economy approaches to skills development.