In 2012/13 The AoC West Midlands (AoCWM) commissioned a project to assess the extent to which the six Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the West Midlands are developing and articulating skills strategies and the role colleges are currently playing/can play in leading this development process. The AoC West Midlands (AoCWM) commissioned an update report during 2014 to assess progress made and in the context of the development of Strategic Economic Plans by each of the six LEPs in the Region. This work is being undertaken in conjunction with the Regional Observatory.

LES undertook a consultation exercise with key Southern Staffordshire Employment and Skills Board (SSESB) stakeholders together with 25 Southern Staffordshire employers. The work was undertaken as part of a wider programme of work undertaken in conjunction with the Regional Observatory, the purpose of which was to try and ensure that the Southern Staffordshire ESB secures maximum benefit for local people from its involvement in the Staffs and GBS LEPs; Ensure that local employment and skills needs are identified and acted upon; and ensure effective engagement of key stakeholders, particularly local businesses, in the development and delivery of SS ESB activity.