Publications

We commissioned Shared intelligence (Si) to produce this guide explaining what local economic development (ED) services do for the communities they serve, why they are important, the challenges they face, and the skills and knowledge they will need in the coming years.

The examples demonstrate how councils have been able to reduce 16 to 18-year-old disengagement to an all-time low and increasingly support older young people towards work. Evidence demonstrates the value of creating personal advisers for individuals, planning provision across places, and brokering leadership and support into work.

In November 2020 the Local Government Association (LGA) commissioned York Consulting LLP to undertake a project to support the sector through action learning; to better understand those not in education, employment, or training (NEET); and those at risk of becoming NEET.

The survey was conducted by the Local Government Association’s Research and Information team in July-August 2021 in order that a forthcoming refresh of the LGA’s Work Local proposals be better informed by local authorities’ views of the effectiveness of the current system.

The Local Government Association (LGA) Research & Information Team conducted a survey to capture data on key elements of English local authorities’ employment and skills provision. This included local partnerships, the services being provided, and funding.

Three focus groups made up of Economic Development Officers were held between December 2022 and January 2023 to explore how councils are working to improve equalities in employment and skills outcomes to encourage economic development for their communities. The groups aimed to develop understanding by capturing the thoughts and experiences of those working to advance this agenda.

Using the principles of Work Local, this policy position sets out how this relationship could operate, bringing together net zero and the skills system to align and collectively develop the green skills and jobs that are needed.

The LGA commissioned  the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to collate case study examples of how local authorities are supporting schools in their enhanced role to provide independent and impartial careers guidance to young people in Years 9 to 11.

This is a joint paper between the Local Government Association (LGA) and Volunteering England. This paper builds on the LGA's ‘Hidden talents' publications and aims to start a conversation about the role volunteering can play in local authorities' support for young people who are not in employment, education or training.

This paper aims to support local and national discussions on the design, commissioning and delivery of Kickstart.