A coalition of leading UK professional and membership bodies, representing more than one million
professionals, has called on the Government to work more closely with the sector to boost skills,
productivity and public service reform.
In a letter to the Minister for Skills, Baroness Smith of Malvern, the coalition argues that a more
strategic partnership would support economic growth, strengthen public sector capability and help
deliver key industrial priorities.
Co-ordinated by Memcom, the membership organisation for professional bodies and associations,
the coalition spans business, public services, infrastructure, health, science, engineering,
marketing, leadership and safety-critical sectors. Together, the organisations set professional
standards, accredit skills and support employers across the UK.
The letter sets out how professional bodies can play a greater role in delivering Government
priorities, including embedding accredited skills across the workforce, strengthening leadership and
delivery capability in the public sector, and supporting growth sectors such as green technology,
advanced manufacturing and innovation.
The coalition calls for structured engagement with Government, including the creation of a
cross-sector working group, closer collaboration on skills programmes, and formal recognition of
professional accreditation within public sector reform and industrial strategies.
It highlights the unique role professional bodies play at the interface between employers, education
providers and individual professionals, ensuring that skills and standards reflect real-world needs.
Members of the coalition are already delivering major infrastructure projects, supporting safe and
healthy workplaces, driving research and development, and transforming public services.
The signatories invite the Minister and senior officials to meet to explore how a more strategic,
long-term working relationship could be established to help ensure economic growth is
underpinned by high professional standards and a globally competitive workforce.
The full letter, including the list of signatories, is available here.