Background to the inquiry

In September 2009, the National Skills Forum began an inquiry to investigate how disadvantaged groups are excluded from vocational learning and training opportunities. The inquiry focused on three groups; black and minority ethnic people, offenders and ex-offenders and people with disabilities.

The Inquiry’s final report will be available to download on this site from Wednesday 3rd February. The report proposes recommendations to policymakers and employers on ways to increase skills and employment opportunities for socially excluded groups.

Chaired by Gordon Marsden MP and Jacqui Henderson CBE, the inquiry held a series of roundtables with experts from across the skills and equalities agendas, including: campaign groups, employers, not for profit organisations, government ministers and shadow ministers, government agencies, training providers and educational institutions.

Interested parties were also asked to submit written evidence as part of an open consultation which you can find in the evidence section on this site.

The inquiry was held in partnership with the Associate Parliamentary Skills Group and sponsored by the TEC Trust Fund, a charitable fund established to further the pursuit of skills excellence in the UK.

Please click on the link at the top-right of this page to take you through to download the report and click back after Wednesday to see photos from the launch event itself.