Future of Economic Development Research
CEDOS are happy to publish our recent research into future skills requirements and recruitment challenges within the economic development profession. We have worked with a range of English Local Authorities across upper, lower and Unitary tiers to compile a comprehensive overview of some of the structures that Local Government Economic Development works within, some of the recruitment and retention challenges faced, an overview of skills and capacity gaps and an overview of some potential solutions across these areas.
“In my own role I have seen many of the issues this report highlights first hand and the research has provided an excellent overview of where the profession is presently at, likely changes in roles and requirements and skills challenges. CEDOS is keen support our profession in whatever way it can, and producing this comprehensive and thought provoking piece of research is a positive way to start a debate in this area and identify solutions“. Justin Brown, Assistant Director for Growth, Lincolnshire County Council and CEDOS Chair
There are clearly a number of economic and policy changes forthcoming that will affect the nature and structure of many Local Authorities wider Economic Development services – the ramifications of the Levelling Up White Paper, further Devolution and potential Local Government Reorganisation to name the most immediate.
The structure of local economies has structurally shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and some of these changes seem unlikely to reverse now the pandemic has subsided. Businesses have increasingly turned to digital technology to engage with customers, workforce and supply chains, labour markets have emerged with glaring skills gaps and unequal and inflation busting pay rises across some sectors and commuting is much reduced. Planning for the type of infrastructure and places that will power future economic growth cannot purely be based on the old ‘norms’.
Economic Development as a profession has to adapt to these changes – but the level of change has been accelerating and internal structures within Local Government often cannot keep pace.
The report notes that there have been noticeable recruitment issues for a good number of Authorities, and these are more acute where more specialist skills are required. The sector has a history of recruiting individuals from a diverse range of career backgrounds, including graduates – but even this is become harder as the labour market further tightens. More emphasis will need to be placed on developing a stronger pool of internal candidates that can progress in work and develop their skills and identifying alternative recruitment approaches to attract a wider pool of potential candidates.
There is a current gap in the provision of graduate recruitment and development programmes specifically aimed at Economic Development and Regeneration. Many of the larger Economic Development consultancy firms offer graduate programmes with relevant training and they often have a headcount smaller that most Local Authority services. In principle, this is something that could easily be adopted across Local Government, potentially working in partnership.
Finally, to support recruitment processes, a revised competency-based set of standard job descriptions across a number of semi-standard roles could be devised that can be used and modified by individual Authorities.
There are a range of wider issues within the profession that will need debating, understanding and enacting if high calibre clients are to be attracted and retained. This includes how to provide flexible working after COVID-19, how Economic Development staff can develop the skills to lead and support a range of internal and external partnerships, and develop an understanding of different perspectives on Levelling Up and policy widens what may be expected of the profession.
The final challenge is to try and secure the resources needed to support staff training and development, identifying where these may come from and how best to lobby for investment is an area that is frequently not seen as a priority.
The access the report in full, please click here.