Regional Skills Fora Insights 2025
-
From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 13 May 2026
- Last updated on: 13 May 2026
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) is the government body responsible for national skills policy.
DFHERIS sets national direction, funds initiatives, and ensures alignment across the entire skills ecosystem. The National Skills Council provides strategic guidance to DFHERIS on national skills priorities.
The Regional Skills Fora draw membership from enterprise and education stakeholders, while engaging a wider ecosystem of partners including business associations, enterprise agencies, Local Enterprise Offices, Government Departments and regional sectoral networks.
The Fora meet at regular intervals throughout the year, chaired by an enterprise representative, and supported by the Regional Skills Forum Manager. Members take an active role in defining current and future skills, and developing tailored training, education and talent solutions to realise the economic ambition of their region.
In addition, Forum members, through sectoral industry working groups / clusters, advocate for the identified skills needs of the region. The Regional Skills Fora Managers are supported by the National Co-ordinator of the Regional Skills Fora.
