The process for establishing an SSC follows three stages:
- Submission and assessment of an expression of interest. This takes
approximately six weeks. The expression of interest outlines why an SSC is
needed for that sector and shows support for it, especially from employers.
- Development phase. This takes approximately six months and ends with the
submission of a market assessment, five year strategic plan and two year business
plan being submitted to SSDA.
- Assessment of this business case. This takes 11-13 weeks and if successful
results in a five year licence and three year funding agreement recommendation being sent by the SSDA for approval by
the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
SSCs are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, in consultation with Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are coordinated by a non-departmental public body, the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA).
Creative and Cultural Skills are currently in development and are due to submit a bid for licence to SSDA in December 2004.
Please contact us at info@cciskills.org.uk for a copy of our Expression of Interest document.