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Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) were set up in 1998 (in
2000 in London, following the establishment of the Greater
London Authority). Their primary role is as the strategic
bodies responsible for regional economic development and regeneration,
with the aim of reducing the imbalance that exists within
and between regions.
Each RDA has five key objectives:
- To promote economic development and regeneration
- To promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness
- To promote employment
- To enhance development and application of skills relevant
to employment
- To contribute to sustainable development
RDAs have to ensure the development of a skills action
plan (known as FRESA - Framework for Regional Skills Action),
which includes basic skills. RDAs can be a source of funding
for basic skills work through the Skills Development Fund.
Priority areas for funding include:
- developing basic skills in the workplace
- implementing key skills qualifications
- developing IT in the workforce
- using innovative approaches to methods of work-based learning
- increasing the take up and completion of Modern
Apprenticeships
- raising participation in employment, lifelong learning
and attainment among ethnic minority groups and disabled
people
- Regional priorities
highlighted by speakers from the Government Offices at the
Literacy and Social Inclusion project's consultation meetings
in summer 2003 (Word document).
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