South London employers unite behind the employment and skills charter
Kingston Council came together with leading employers, training providers, other local authorities and educators at Kingston College to back the new South London Employment and Skills Charter.
The Charter, led by the South London Skills and Employment Alliance, co-chaired by the Kingston Council’s Chief Executive Sarah Ireland, ensures that businesses have a strong voice in shaping the region’s workforce for the future. Attendees at the event on 26 March showed their commitment by signing the Charter, reinforcing a collective effort to align skills development with industry needs.
Sarah Ireland, Chief Executive of the Royal Borough Kingston, emphasised the importance of collaboration:
“It's vitally important that we invest in the skills, talent and employment opportunities in South London. The Skills and Employment Charter is a great foundation to this, bringing together key players to make the most of our wonderful communities and residents.
“We need to understand what employers and organisations’ skills needs are - firstly to ensure that our educational establishments and our pathways are developing those skills and talents, and secondly for inclusion, to ensure everybody, including those who are currently economically inactive, has an opportunity.”
Business leaders at the event shared pressing workforce challenges, including the rising cost of employment, the impact of hybrid working and evolving demand for AI and retrofit skills. They also discussed engaging experienced, older workers, who are often overlooked by employers.
Matthew Hamilton, Director, South London Partnership, reinforced the Charter’s role in building a sustainable talent pipeline:
“The Charter is essential to securing South London’s workforce for today and the future. Businesses must be at the heart of this conversation, ensuring we understand their needs and respond effectively.”
He also pointed to skills shortages in key sectors - health and care, environment, retail, and hospitality - highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to equip residents with the right skills.
The South London Skills and Employment Alliance unites business leaders, educators, local authorities, and employment support organisations to strengthen the region’s workforce development.
Businesses which didn’t attend the event can sign the South London Partnership charter by downloading, signing and emailing it back to admin@southlondonpartnership.co.uk.