Local Skills Improvement Plan launched for Greater Lincolnshire

Published: 13th January 2026

LSiP launch

A consultation on the future of workplace skills has officially been launched, marking a major step toward aligning with the needs of Greater Lincolnshire’s employers with local training provision.

Delivered by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in partnership with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) for Skills England, the development of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Greater Lincolnshire aims to ensure post 16 education and training opportunities better reflect the realities of the workplace, helping workers achieve, businesses thrive and communities prosper.

Currently there are 41,000 businesses in Greater Lincolnshire with a combined workforce of more than 550,000 – and every single employer is invited to give their views on the skills needed for the next three years. Employers, colleges, universities, independent training providers and trade bodies are also being targeted to ensure they have their say.

The launch event, at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, brought together key stakeholders to share details on research about to be carried out over the next business quarter, upcoming engagement opportunities and mobilise action and support for this important local initiative.

Katrina Pierce, head of business engagement for Greater Lincolnshire at the Federation of Small Businesses said today: “We’re delighted to be able to formally launch the programme of opportunities for local employers of all types to have their say on skills. An organisation’s workforce is their most valuable asset, and I know how seriously our county’s employers treat matters around skills, development, recruitment and retention. I can’t wait to see a wide range of employers represented at the upcoming focus groups, workshops and survey. With their expert insight, we can spark vital and exciting changes to skills provision in partnership with local providers”.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, reaffirmed her commitment to building skills and creating jobs.

She said: “Skills are the foundation of opportunity and growth. Employers are crucial in shaping the skills landscape - only you know what competencies will make your businesses thrive. The Local Skills Improvement Plan is your chance to tell the training sector exactly what you need.”

The Mayor urged businesses of all sizes and sectors to get involved through focus groups, workshops and surveys.

“The more voices we capture, the stronger and more relevant our plan will be when it’s published this summer. This is a moment to shape the future of skills in Greater Lincolnshire - a future built on collaboration, ambition and opportunity for all.”

Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, also backed the launch of Greater Lincolnshire LSIP, saying:

"Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are critical for developing the skilled workforce Greater Lincolnshire needs. I’m delighted that the second wave of LSIPs is currently underway and I encourage businesses to engage with the Federation of Small Businesses to articulate their skills needs and work with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority and local skills providers, including colleges and local universities, to develop solutions to address them.”

Employers are encouraged to participate in engagement activities and share their insights to help build a plan that truly reflects local needs.

For more information and to get involved, visit (https://www.fsb.org.uk/local-government/lsip/greater-lincolnshire-lsip or contact katrina.pierce@fsb.org.uk. ).

A series of free employer focus groups and workshops are scheduled across Greater Lincolnshire, with some virtual engagement opportunities, throughout Quarter 1 of 2026. The key dates, themes and locations are: