A former skills minister and a former chair of the Commons Education Select Committee will co-chair an inquiry considering the future of the skills system.

The latest inquiry of the Skills Commission, an independent body made up of leaders from the education sector, the business community and the major political parties, will be co-chaired by Conservative MP Sir John Hayes and Labour MP Barry Sheerman.

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The Future of the Skills System inquiry will investigate the FE provider base and local employer needs, and the implementation of national policy at a local level.

It will hold four evidence sessions from March to May and convene two meetings of the commissioners to vet the research and findings, with each session involving a different college, politicians and employers to ensure a wide sample of views.

The Skills Commission will then work with policymakers and local stakeholders to “develop a blueprint for how the ongoing skills and education reforms can be coordinated into a much-needed overarching vision”.

Skills: ‘The need for joined-up thinking’

Sir John Hayes said: “This research is based on regional evidence sessions to explore local implementation, collaboration and experiences, avoiding a top-down Westminster-only focus. My constituency of South Holland and The Deepings is well-known for its rural industries and production, and taking evidence from these areas is vital to highlight skills needs beyond that of the big-hitting cities.”

Barry Sheerman added: “Apprenticeships and other reforms have been designed to address current challenges but the constant change is confusing for employers and providers alike. What we now need is clear vision with joined-up thinking so that all involved can work together to address both current needs and future challenges.”

The Skills Commission is administered by Policy Connect in partnership with the Learning and Work Institute and funded by core sponsors the Edge Foundation, Jisc and the Education and Skills Group, and research funding is granted by the Further Education Trust for Leadership.

The Future of the Skills System inquiry

• Dr Fiona Aldridge, director for policy and research, Learning and Work Institute
• Simon Kelleher, head of education and skills, Policy Connect
• Alice Barnard, chief executive, Edge Foundation
• Alan Cave, chief executive, APM UK
• Verity Davidge, head of education and skills policy, Make UK
• Mark Dawe, chief executive, AELP
• Paul McKean, head of FE and skills, Jisc
• Professor Andy Green, professor of comparative social science, UCL Institute of Education
• Smita Jamdar, partner Shakespeare Martineau
• Dr Ewart Keep, director at SKOPE (Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance), University of Oxford
• Marguerite Ulrich, chief human resources officer, Veolia
• Jasbir Jhas, senior adviser, LGA (Local Government Association)
• Dr Sue Pember, director of policy and external relations, Holex
• Paul Eeles, chief executive, Skills and Education Group