What we do

• Represent employers' interests and directly influence the planning and funding of education and training across the UK with relevant government, national and international organisations
• Lead the review of examinations initiated by the Financial Services Authority from 'approved' to 'appropriate' exams, develop a coherent approach towards assessment, and determine the standards and syllabuses for each exam
• Attract staff into the sector by developing a recruitment strategy for young people, encouraging universities to introduce financial services degrees, addressing skills gaps such as IT and management, forging strong links between employers and colleges and improving access to local labour markets and public funding
• Provide opportunities for everyone in financial services, from the largest companies to sole traders, to realise their full potential through the promotion of lifelong learning and developing career pathways
• Provide unrivalled analysis and intelligence about the sector, communicated in a straightforward, jargon-free style
• Promote the concept of spending on training to meet the strategic needs of  businesses, rather than being driven by the need simply to comply with regulation
• Offer business coaching
• Enhance the profile of British qualifications in the global community
• Promote the development of an integrated national standards framework for financial services
• Provide a forum where members can exchange views, agree policy, influence local funding and inform research

Part of a network of Sector Skills Councils covering all key industry sectors, the Financial Services Skills Council is the access point to public funding to match employers' investment in us through joining as members.

SSCs actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders. The Financial Services Skills Council has Memoranda of Understanding with Alliance for Finance and the FSA.

SSCs are licensed by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, in consultation with Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to tackle the skills and productivity needs of their sector throughout the UK. 

Download our Annual Review for highlights of our activities during 2007.