Developing the Sector's Policy Priorities
Building the skilled and safe workforce the UK needs.
The energy and utilities sector faces growing workforce challenges as demand for skills and talent continues to increase. To help address them, the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership (EUSP) CEO Council has approved the development of seven UK-wide policy priorities that will strengthen the sector’s voice on the workforce, skills and safety issues that matter most to employers.
Over the coming months, Energy & Utility Skills Group will work with employers, partners and industry stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based policy recommendations that support the attraction, development and retention of the workforce needed for the future.
Policy areas
The CEO Council has identified seven areas where action has the potential to deliver the greatest impact for employers, industry and the wider economy.
These priorities focus on issues including:
Supportive regulation
Devolution
Protect competence and safety through apprenticeship reforms
Cut unemployment (incl NEETS)
Worker mobilisation
Apprenticeships
Mentor, trainer, assessor
How will the work happen?
Over the coming months we will:
- Gather evidence, insights and examples from employers and partners.
- Develop and assess potential policy solutions.
- Test emerging recommendations with industry.
- Refine and quality assure final proposals.
- Publish agreed policies and support wider communications and advocacy activity.
This approach will help ensure that future policy recommendations are practical, deliverable and grounded in the operational realities faced by employers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Timeline
Work began following CEO Council approval earlier this year and will continue throughout autumn 2026. Key milestones include:
- Summer 2026 – Policy priorities approved and policy leads appointed.
- August to October 2026 – Industry engagement, evidence gathering and policy development.
- November 2026 – Draft policies issued for consideration.
- December 2026 – CEO Council review and approval.
- January 2027 onwards – Communications, engagement and advocacy activity begins.
The intention is for these priorities to become a recognised and influential part of the sector’s collective voice with governments and decision-makers across the UK.
Industry expertise needed
More than 50 industry experts are already contributing their knowledge and experience to this work, helping to shape future policy thinking and strengthen the evidence base underpinning the sector’s priorities.
As development continues, we are keen to hear from employers and individuals with expertise in areas such as workforce planning, recruitment, skills, apprenticeships, training, operations, regulation and public policy.
Whether you can share evidence, practical examples or simply offer a perspective based on your experience, your contribution can help ensure the sector’s future policy priorities are shaped by those closest to the challenges and opportunities facing industry.
If you would like to contribute to the development of our policy priorities, join a policy working group, share evidence, or register your interest in future engagement opportunities, please contact collaborate@euskills.co.uk.