New skills role for Dorset Chamber

Dorset Chamber has been handpicked by the government to lead a major review aimed at boosting business skills in the county.

Following the submission of a successful proposal, the chamber was commissioned by the Department for Education to lead the rapid development of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

Essentially, LSIPs are a review of the skills needs of businesses to inform current and future training to ensure provision meets the exact needs of local employers.

The government has asked for a specific focus on emerging net zero skills and other ‘pressing’ shortages.

Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said: “This is a significant policy change by government to ensure employers’ needs drive post-16 technical education and training in England.

“Working closely with all Dorset employers, local providers including schools, colleges, universities, our two local authorities, the LEP and independent trainers, we are tasked to report back to government by 31 May 2023.

“Our role will continue for a further two years to monitor and measure the impact of the changes made.

“Employers now have a great opportunity to be directly involved in problem solving at least some of their current issues.”

Ian added: “Dorset Chamber is well placed to deliver this change in policy as the leading employer representative body in the county.

“There will be a strong focus on partnership working to maximise business engagement within the LSIP review, working closely with other business support organisations.”

The chamber is Dorset’s leading business support organisation and the county’s voice of business.

Nicola Newman, former chief executive of careers, employability and mentoring charity Ansbury Guidance, will lead the LSIP programme for the chamber.

For additional information or to get involved early please contact nicola.newman@dorsetchamber.co.uk.

Visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk for more details or call 01202 714800.

Dorset Chamber is well placed to deliver this change in policy as the leading employer representative body in the county.

Business Exhibition Event

Thursday 10 November, at AFC Bournemouth, Vitality Stadium.

Sponsored by Lester Aldridge.

Dorset Chamber is excited to offer the opportunity to showcase your business to the Dorset business community, via its exhibition event. Stand bookings are open to all businesses. Exhibitor stand includes… • One table (6ft), table cloth and two chairs • Space to display one standard pull up banner • Space to display literature • Logo feature on exhibitor list with 20 word bio, with website and phone number • Company listed in event joining instructions • Exhibitors will receive promotion on Dorset Chamber channels

Dorset Chamber members £140+vat

Non members £160+vat

Please complete the stand booking form below before purchasing your stand using the “Book now” button: dorsetchamber.co.uk/business-exhibition

Members & non-members are also welcome to attend the show to meet businesses and network for free. Don’t forget to tell all your clients/customers you will be exhibiting using your social channels, and tag us.

Ticket sales:

Dorset Chamber is excited to announce the next Business Exhibition on Thursday 10 November at AFC Bournemouth, Vitality Stadium. Sponsored by Lester Aldridge. This event is open to all of the Dorset business community, including Dorset Chamber members, to meet local businesses and network for free. The show will have Dorset Chamber members showcasing their businesses. The exhibition will be open from 9am – 12noon. Bookings for the show will close Monday 7 November, or when fully booked. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you there. Bookings close on the 31st October 2022

Dorset Chamber launches new ESG programme for Dorset business

Dorset Chamber, working in partnership with Dorset Council and BCP Council, is launching a new series of virtual workshops, helping Dorset businesses embrace the principles of ESG (environmental, social and governance).

ESG is essentially a set of principles by which a business’ accountability and transparency as well as its impact on society and the environment is measured. This is becoming an increasingly important issue and something we encourage all businesses to consider. As investors become increasingly ethically aware, businesses need to increasingly demonstrate their commitment to the principles of ESG. As businesses recruit and effectively market themselves when recruiting, potential employees are placing greater focus on working for a socially responsible business. At a time when the true impact of climate change is becoming clear, businesses need to act responsibly and do all they can to reduce their carbon footprint.

The programme will include a major focus on net zero and practical steps businesses can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

The workshops are all free to attend and open to all Dorset businesses. Each workshop focuses on a particular aspect of ESG and will be led by an expert in that area. Each workshop will include an open Q and A session and we will also signpost to further support that may be available. The workshops include:

SESSION TITLE 1 An introduction to ESG

2 3 4

5 6

7

Developing an environmental policy Measuring your carbon footprint Improving energy efficiency within buildings An introduction to renewable energy Improving sustainability through waste management and recycling An introduction to carbon offset

8

A guide to electric vehicles and EV charging 9 The importance of employee wellbeing to UK PLC 10 A guide to socially responsible investing 11 An introduction to business ethics 12 Building links between business and the community and voluntary sector 13 Defining your responsibilities as a company director