Five key takeaways from the ERSA conference were discussed. There is little confidence in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the current leadership due to a lack of knowledge and indifference. Expertise in the sector could be lost as contracts end. ERSA can help unify sector messages and provide input to funding programs. The sector is an essential part of the government's levelling up agenda. Stronger coordination is needed between employability and skills programs. Building an evidence base with data, examples, and impact studies can help inform commissioners.

1. 5 take aways from the ERSA
conference

2. Little confidence in DWP as a commissioner
(under ML’s leadership).Lack of knowledge
and disrespectful indifference.
One

3. Two
Contracts ending. Sector’s expertise could be lost.
ERSA’s role in unifying the sector and messages.
Feed in to UKSPF and future DWP commissioning.

4. Three
The sector is an essential part of the levelling
up agenda

5. Four
Need a stronger join up between
employability and skills

6. Five
Need to build the evidence base and inform commissioners:
• Facts
• Stats
• Examples
• Case studies
• Impact
• What works
• Social value
• Activating the inactive.