Tuesday 21st October 2025 at 2.00pm (online) on TEAMS
Agenda
- Welcome and apologies
- Notes from last meeting
- Pride in Place – Local Ambassadors Programme – Newmarket
- Apprenticeships, Work Experience, and Employer Engagement
- VENI-VEE Skills Survey
- VENI training Contracts in 2025/26
• Kings Lynn and West Norfolk – supported by Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Council (UKSPF) – and working with DWP and College of West Anglia
• West Suffolk supported by West Suffolk Council (UKSPF)and working with DWP
• East Suffolk – Supported by Sizewell C Tourism Mitigation Fund and working with East Coast College and East Suffolk Council (ECC have a separate contract with ESC).
• Suffolk – Customer Service contract covering the whole county – supported by Suffolk County Council (Adult Skills Fund).
• Skills Bootcamps – Customer Service for Norfolk and Suffolk - Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme
- Visit East of England – LVEP updates and devolution
- Council Updates
- Next steps
- Date of next meeting
In attendance
| Andrew Wheeler | andrew.wheeler@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk |
| Alison Tsanaktzidou | Alison.Tsanaktzidou@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Fiona Hall | FionaHall@stedscathedral.org |
| Leanne Goodrum | leanne.goodrum@norfolk.gov.uk |
| Tracey Harding | tracey.harding@discovernewmarket.co.uk |
| Mason Gill JCP | GILL.MASON@DWP.GOV.UK |
| Jasmine Joolia | Jasmine.Joolia@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Graham Peers | graham.peers@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk |
| Bev Wallman | Bev.Wallman@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Paul Gardner | paul.gardner@great-yarmouth.gov.uk |
| Louisa Kiddell | louisa.kiddell@norfolk.gov.uk |
| Andrea Wilson | Andrea.Wilson@norfolkchambers.co.uk |
| valerie brown | valerie@thelivelycrew1.onmicrosoft.com |
| Phillip Eke | phillip.eke@West-Norfolk.gov.uk |
| Joss Mullett | Joss.Mullett@eastsuffolk.gov.uk |
| Cousins-Clarke, Sharon | SharonCousins-Clarke@norwich.gov.uk |
| Edwards Jane DWP Partnership Manager | Jane.Edwards1@dwp.gov.uk |
| Rouhaud Laure-Anne JCP Stowmarket Employer Adviser | LAURE-ANNE.ROUHAUD@DWP.GOV.UK |
| Frances Bedding | Frances.Bedding@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk |
| Rachel Bunn | r.bunn@eastcoast.ac.uk |
| Karen Chapman | karen@oprconsulting.co.uk |
Apologies from Pete Waters – Norfolk & Suffolk LVEP (VEE)
Andrew’s Headlines :
The meeting covered a range of topics , from apprenticeships and work experience to VENI training contracts, partnership projects with DWP and employers; and the concept of local ambassadors (also confusingly called ‘Pride in Place’ – given this refers to a different government scheme we’ll stop using that term). There was a lot of discussion around the ‘golden triangle’ of employers, educators and students – in particular, how do we make work experience work better? How do we make apprenticeships make more sense for both employers and students? How do we overcome the age-old challenge of timing misalignment?
A highlight of the meeting was Jane Edwards’ Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme, with a lot of interest from across the skills group and something we all agreed was worth developing, expanding further.
AI Assisted Notes
1. Welcome and apologies
Chair welcomed attendees and noted apologies from Visit East of England.
2. Notes from last meeting
Previous meeting notes were agreed.
3. Pride in Place – Local Ambassadors Programme – Newmarket
We talked about the successful Local Ambassadors programme in West Norfolk and confirmed that Tracey Harding is working with the VENI team to create a Newmarket version. We’ll update on progress in the new year.
4. Apprenticeships, Work Experience, and Employer Engagement
This agenda item generated the most extensive discussion of the meeting. It centred on misalignment between schools, employers, and training organisations around work experience placements and how to engage employers more effectively in the visitor economy.
Key Speakers and Points
1. Frances Bedding (Mid Suffolk & Baber District Councils)
- Reported success in securing work experience opportunities via local skills plans, but noted schools’ rigid scheduling as a recurring issue.
- Explained the national policy shift distinguishing “experience of work” (e.g. employer visits/tours) from “work experience” (traditional placements).
- Highlighted that colleges have been more flexible than schools — offering placements to older learners first has prompted schools to engage more proactively.
- Confirmed that the “one week in spring or autumn” model is unworkable for many employers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
2. Jasmine Joolia (Careers Hub / Local Authority)
- Emphasised language confusion around “work experience” — employers, schools, and learners interpret it differently.
- Suggested viewing work experience as both a recruitment tool (for employers) and a confidence-building exercise (for adults returning to work).
- Predicted a rise in demand via Connect to Work and Get Norfolk Working programmes.
- Supported integrating employer feedback loops into local careers education frameworks.
3. Valerie Brown (Thetford / Tourism Sector Representative)
- Warned that the sector is “flooded with requests” for placements — from schools, colleges, and training bodies.
- Stressed the timing mismatch between when schools want placements and when tourism businesses can accommodate them (notably, most attractions close or run skeleton staff in January).
- Compared the current work experience surge to the past “apprenticeship overload” in Norfolk (22 organisations competing for placements).
- Highlighted inflexibility among schools and the risk of disengaging employers if coordination is not improved.
- Called for a different, more strategic model to manage placements collaboratively across providers.
4. Jane Edwards (DWP Partnership Manager)
- Confirmed that Jobcentres are also under pressure to arrange work experience placements as part of Connect to Work and Pathways programmes.
- Differentiated between school-based placements and adult/unemployed placements:
- Schools require large, fixed-time blocks.
- DWP prefers a “drip-feed” model — one placement at a time, tailored to each business’s schedule.
- Sugested that both types serve valuable but distinct purposes and need clearer separation in communications with employers.
5. Rachel Bunn (East Coast College)
- Proposed a pilot model for rotational work experience weeks, involving multiple employers and the college’s commercial training restaurant (“East Restaurant”).
- Example: students could spend two days in college kitchens, one with Adnams Brewery, and another in a Yarmouth tourism business — providing a broader, more inspiring experience.
- Suggested including community projects (e.g. afternoon teas) to add social value and soft skills development.
- Acknowledged schools’ rigidity (insisting on five-day blocks) but argued that the model could be adapted for both school pupils and adults.
- Agreed to report back at the January 2026 meeting on progress and school buy-in.
6. Andrew Wheeler (VENI Lead)
- Summarised consensus that schools’ structures conflict with employer operations, especially in the hospitality/tourism calendar.
- Supported the idea of a “5-Star Employer” recognition scheme for businesses actively supporting apprenticeships, work experience, and local recruitment.
- Encouraged further joint planning between colleges, employers, and DWP to streamline placement coordination.
Main Takeaways
- The group recognised the current model for work experience is not fit for purpose in the visitor economy.
- There’s oversupply of placement requests but poor timing and coordination.
- Need for a multi-partner system linking schools, colleges, DWP, and employers under consistent definitions and timelines.
- Agreed to revisit the issue in January 2026, led by Rachel Bunn (East Coast College) and supported by VENI and local authorities.
5. VENI-VEE Skills Survey
Preliminary analysis shows strong employer demand for customer service and digital marketing training. Further survey responses expected by November. VENI to publish a summary report for partners.
6. VENI training Contracts in 2025/26
• Briefly discussed:
- Kings Lynn and West Norfolk – supported by Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Council (UKSPF) – and working with DWP and College of West Anglia
- West Suffolk supported by West Suffolk Council (UKSPF)and working with DWP
- East Suffolk – Supported by Sizewell C Tourism Mitigation Fund and working with East Coast College and East Suffolk Council (ECC have a separate contract with ESC).
- Suffolk – Customer Service contract covering the whole county – supported by Suffolk County Council (Adult Skills Fund).
Skills Bootcamps – Customer Service for Norfolk and Suffolk – Andrew confirmed that VENI has a contract to deliver three Customer Service Skills Bootcamps, which will kick off in the new year.
7. Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
Jane Edwards praised the way Kate Martin from Elveden Estates supported this programme, and thanked Andrew and the VENI team for delivering such a productive four-day workshop. The “fantastic opportunity” resulted in two unemployed people offered jobs and the potential for further job offers to follow. Jane remarked that
“It was lovely to see the transformation of those people and ultimately that’s what we’re trying to do”.
Even if the programme didn’t lead to everyone getting jobs straightaway it has certainly made an impact and created new mindsets among participants.
In attendance
| Andrew Wheeler | andrew.wheeler@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk |
| Alison Tsanaktzidou | Alison.Tsanaktzidou@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Fiona Hall | FionaHall@stedscathedral.org |
| Leanne Goodrum | leanne.goodrum@norfolk.gov.uk |
| Tracey Harding | tracey.harding@discovernewmarket.co.uk |
| Mason Gill JCP | GILL.MASON@DWP.GOV.UK |
| Jasmine Joolia | Jasmine.Joolia@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Graham Peers | graham.peers@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk |
| Bev Wallman | Bev.Wallman@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Paul Gardner | paul.gardner@great-yarmouth.gov.uk |
| Louisa Kiddell | louisa.kiddell@norfolk.gov.uk |
| Andrea Wilson | Andrea.Wilson@norfolkchambers.co.uk |
| valerie brown | valerie@thelivelycrew1.onmicrosoft.com |
| Phillip Eke | phillip.eke@West-Norfolk.gov.uk |
| Joss Mullett | Joss.Mullett@eastsuffolk.gov.uk |
| Cousins-Clarke, Sharon | SharonCousins-Clarke@norwich.gov.uk |
| Edwards Jane DWP Partnership Manager | Jane.Edwards1@dwp.gov.uk |
| Rouhaud Laure-Anne JCP Stowmarket Employer Adviser | LAURE-ANNE.ROUHAUD@DWP.GOV.UK |
| Frances Bedding | Frances.Bedding@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk |
| Rachel Bunn | r.bunn@eastcoast.ac.uk |
| Karen Chapman | karen@oprconsulting.co.uk |
Apologies from Pete Waters – Norfolk & Suffolk LVEP (VEE)
Andrew’s Headlines :
The meeting covered a range of topics , from apprenticeships and work experience to VENI training contracts, partnership projects with DWP and employers; and the concept of local ambassadors (also confusingly called ‘Pride in Place’ – given this refers to a different government scheme we’ll stop using that term). There was a lot of discussion around the ‘golden triangle’ of employers, educators and students – in particular, how do we make work experience work better? How do we make apprenticeships make more sense for both employers and students? How do we overcome the age-old challenge of timing misalignment?
A highlight of the meeting was Jane Edwards’ Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme, with a lot of interest from across the skills group and something we all agreed was worth developing, expanding further.
AI Assisted Notes
1. Welcome and apologies
Chair welcomed attendees and noted apologies from Visit East of England.
2. Notes from last meeting
Previous meeting notes were agreed.
3. Pride in Place – Local Ambassadors Programme – Newmarket
We talked about the successful Local Ambassadors programme in West Norfolk and confirmed that Tracey Harding is working with the VENI team to create a Newmarket version. We’ll update on progress in the new year.
4. Apprenticeships, Work Experience, and Employer Engagement
This agenda item generated the most extensive discussion of the meeting. It centred on misalignment between schools, employers, and training organisations around work experience placements and how to engage employers more effectively in the visitor economy.
Key Speakers and Points
1. Frances Bedding (Mid Suffolk & Baber District Councils)
- Reported success in securing work experience opportunities via local skills plans, but noted schools’ rigid scheduling as a recurring issue.
- Explained the national policy shift distinguishing “experience of work” (e.g. employer visits/tours) from “work experience” (traditional placements).
- Highlighted that colleges have been more flexible than schools — offering placements to older learners first has prompted schools to engage more proactively.
- Confirmed that the “one week in spring or autumn” model is unworkable for many employers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
2. Jasmine Joolia (Careers Hub / Local Authority)
- Emphasised language confusion around “work experience” — employers, schools, and learners interpret it differently.
- Suggested viewing work experience as both a recruitment tool (for employers) and a confidence-building exercise (for adults returning to work).
- Predicted a rise in demand via Connect to Work and Get Norfolk Working programmes.
- Supported integrating employer feedback loops into local careers education frameworks.
3. Valerie Brown (Thetford / Tourism Sector Representative)
- Warned that the sector is “flooded with requests” for placements — from schools, colleges, and training bodies.
- Stressed the timing mismatch between when schools want placements and when tourism businesses can accommodate them (notably, most attractions close or run skeleton staff in January).
- Compared the current work experience surge to the past “apprenticeship overload” in Norfolk (22 organisations competing for placements).
- Highlighted inflexibility among schools and the risk of disengaging employers if coordination is not improved.
- Called for a different, more strategic model to manage placements collaboratively across providers.
4. Jane Edwards (DWP Partnership Manager)
- Confirmed that Jobcentres are also under pressure to arrange work experience placements as part of Connect to Work and Pathways programmes.
- Differentiated between school-based placements and adult/unemployed placements:
- Schools require large, fixed-time blocks.
- DWP prefers a “drip-feed” model — one placement at a time, tailored to each business’s schedule.
- Sugested that both types serve valuable but distinct purposes and need clearer separation in communications with employers.
5. Rachel Bunn (East Coast College)
- Proposed a pilot model for rotational work experience weeks, involving multiple employers and the college’s commercial training restaurant (“East Restaurant”).
- Example: students could spend two days in college kitchens, one with Adnams Brewery, and another in a Yarmouth tourism business — providing a broader, more inspiring experience.
- Suggested including community projects (e.g. afternoon teas) to add social value and soft skills development.
- Acknowledged schools’ rigidity (insisting on five-day blocks) but argued that the model could be adapted for both school pupils and adults.
- Agreed to report back at the January 2026 meeting on progress and school buy-in.
6. Andrew Wheeler (VENI Lead)
- Summarised consensus that schools’ structures conflict with employer operations, especially in the hospitality/tourism calendar.
- Supported the idea of a “5-Star Employer” recognition scheme for businesses actively supporting apprenticeships, work experience, and local recruitment.
- Encouraged further joint planning between colleges, employers, and DWP to streamline placement coordination.
Main Takeaways
- The group recognised the current model for work experience is not fit for purpose in the visitor economy.
- There’s oversupply of placement requests but poor timing and coordination.
- Need for a multi-partner system linking schools, colleges, DWP, and employers under consistent definitions and timelines.
- Agreed to revisit the issue in January 2026, led by Rachel Bunn (East Coast College) and supported by VENI and local authorities.
5. VENI-VEE Skills Survey
Preliminary analysis shows strong employer demand for customer service and digital marketing training. Further survey responses expected by November. VENI to publish a summary report for partners.
6. VENI training Contracts in 2025/26
• Briefly discussed:
- Kings Lynn and West Norfolk – supported by Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Council (UKSPF) – and working with DWP and College of West Anglia
- West Suffolk supported by West Suffolk Council (UKSPF)and working with DWP
- East Suffolk – Supported by Sizewell C Tourism Mitigation Fund and working with East Coast College and East Suffolk Council (ECC have a separate contract with ESC).
- Suffolk – Customer Service contract covering the whole county – supported by Suffolk County Council (Adult Skills Fund).
Skills Bootcamps – Customer Service for Norfolk and Suffolk – Andrew confirmed that VENI has a contract to deliver three Customer Service Skills Bootcamps, which will kick off in the new year.
7. Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
Jane Edwards praised the way Kate Martin from Elveden Estates supported this programme, and thanked Andrew and the VENI team for delivering such a productive four-day workshop. The “fantastic opportunity” resulted in two unemployed people offered jobs and the potential for further job offers to follow. Jane remarked that
“It was lovely to see the transformation of those people and ultimately that’s what we’re trying to do”.
Even if the programme didn’t lead to everyone getting jobs straightaway it has certainly made an impact and created new mindsets among participants.
8. Visit East of England – LVEP updates and devolution
Skills Group had a target of 200 trained in World Host in Destination Management Plan key Action Priorities – target almost hit already. Next steps to be proposed by Andrew/Pete at December LVEP board meet.
Successful conference with around 150 delegates – concentrating on how Suffolk and Norfolk LVEP can help businesses.
New B2B website coming in New Year with skills toolkits for businesses.
9. Council Updates
West Suffolk and East Suffolk councils shared updates on UKSPF projects and other programmes.
Jasmine Joolia talked about devolution and local government reorganisation. There’s been a lot of strategic work ongoing within the County Councils. A key aim is to align to the Suffolk and Norfolk Economic Strategies, which were published earlier this year. The Visitor economy is part of that and as a value growth sector, its really important to Suffolk and Norfolk. It’s a sector with lots of opportunities and better quality jobs. Jasmine commented that:
“it’s one of those sectors whereby people can go in almost at any level and then progress”.
Fran Bedding added some points specific to Babergh and Mid-Suffolk: Funding has been secured for a series of four events under the banner of Curiosity—two in Babergh and two in Mid Suffolk. This initiative, which was previously run three or four years ago, aims to inspire both young people and adults by showcasing a variety of career pathways. One of the upcoming events will be held at Gainsborough’s House and will focus on heritage, with further details on the other events to follow.
The team is also keen to continue its collaboration with DWP, particularly through quarterly job fairs held in two locations. These events have proven highly effective in connecting residents with employers and providing valuable exposure to local opportunities. Additional joint efforts with DWP include the placement of a dedicated work coach in Hadleigh, addressing local transport and cost barriers to accessing services in Ipswich. This initiative has shown strong results.
Looking ahead, there is interest in expanding activities to include job swaps and sector-based work academies. However, financial constraints—especially in Babergh—pose a significant challenge. While Mid Suffolk may have slightly more flexibility, the loss of European funding is felt deeply, as it previously enabled a broader range of impactful programmes.
10. Next steps
- Rachel Bunn to report back on East Coast pilot project for work experience.
- Tracey Harding and Andrew to report back on Newmarket Ambassadors Programme.
- Andrew to report back on Skills Bootcamp plans
- Jane Edwards and Andrew to report back on further VENI/DWP Employer partnership projects.
11. Date of Next Meeting:
20th January 2026 Online (TEAMS) at 2.00pm
Skills Group had a target of 200 trained in World Host in Destination Management Plan key Action Priorities – target almost hit already. Next steps to be proposed by Andrew/Pete at December LVEP board meet.
Successful conference with around 150 delegates – concentrating on how Suffolk and Norfolk LVEP can help businesses.
New B2B website coming in New Year with skills toolkits for businesses.
In attendance
| Andrew Wheeler | andrew.wheeler@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk |
| Alison Tsanaktzidou | Alison.Tsanaktzidou@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Fiona Hall | FionaHall@stedscathedral.org |
| Leanne Goodrum | leanne.goodrum@norfolk.gov.uk |
| Tracey Harding | tracey.harding@discovernewmarket.co.uk |
| Mason Gill JCP | GILL.MASON@DWP.GOV.UK |
| Jasmine Joolia | Jasmine.Joolia@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Graham Peers | graham.peers@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk |
| Bev Wallman | Bev.Wallman@suffolk.gov.uk |
| Paul Gardner | paul.gardner@great-yarmouth.gov.uk |
| Louisa Kiddell | louisa.kiddell@norfolk.gov.uk |
| Andrea Wilson | Andrea.Wilson@norfolkchambers.co.uk |
| valerie brown | valerie@thelivelycrew1.onmicrosoft.com |
| Phillip Eke | phillip.eke@West-Norfolk.gov.uk |
| Joss Mullett | Joss.Mullett@eastsuffolk.gov.uk |
| Cousins-Clarke, Sharon | SharonCousins-Clarke@norwich.gov.uk |
| Edwards Jane DWP Partnership Manager | Jane.Edwards1@dwp.gov.uk |
| Rouhaud Laure-Anne JCP Stowmarket Employer Adviser | LAURE-ANNE.ROUHAUD@DWP.GOV.UK |
| Frances Bedding | Frances.Bedding@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk |
| Rachel Bunn | r.bunn@eastcoast.ac.uk |
| Karen Chapman | karen@oprconsulting.co.uk |
Apologies from Pete Waters – Norfolk & Suffolk LVEP (VEE)
Andrew’s Headlines :
The meeting covered a range of topics , from apprenticeships and work experience to VENI training contracts, partnership projects with DWP and employers; and the concept of local ambassadors (also confusingly called ‘Pride in Place’ – given this refers to a different government scheme we’ll stop using that term). There was a lot of discussion around the ‘golden triangle’ of employers, educators and students – in particular, how do we make work experience work better? How do we make apprenticeships make more sense for both employers and students? How do we overcome the age-old challenge of timing misalignment?
A highlight of the meeting was Jane Edwards’ Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme, with a lot of interest from across the skills group and something we all agreed was worth developing, expanding further.
AI Assisted Notes
1. Welcome and apologies
Chair welcomed attendees and noted apologies from Visit East of England.
2. Notes from last meeting
Previous meeting notes were agreed.
3. Pride in Place – Local Ambassadors Programme – Newmarket
We talked about the successful Local Ambassadors programme in West Norfolk and confirmed that Tracey Harding is working with the VENI team to create a Newmarket version. We’ll update on progress in the new year.
4. Apprenticeships, Work Experience, and Employer Engagement
This agenda item generated the most extensive discussion of the meeting. It centred on misalignment between schools, employers, and training organisations around work experience placements and how to engage employers more effectively in the visitor economy.
Key Speakers and Points
1. Frances Bedding (Mid Suffolk & Baber District Councils)
- Reported success in securing work experience opportunities via local skills plans, but noted schools’ rigid scheduling as a recurring issue.
- Explained the national policy shift distinguishing “experience of work” (e.g. employer visits/tours) from “work experience” (traditional placements).
- Highlighted that colleges have been more flexible than schools — offering placements to older learners first has prompted schools to engage more proactively.
- Confirmed that the “one week in spring or autumn” model is unworkable for many employers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
2. Jasmine Joolia (Careers Hub / Local Authority)
- Emphasised language confusion around “work experience” — employers, schools, and learners interpret it differently.
- Suggested viewing work experience as both a recruitment tool (for employers) and a confidence-building exercise (for adults returning to work).
- Predicted a rise in demand via Connect to Work and Get Norfolk Working programmes.
- Supported integrating employer feedback loops into local careers education frameworks.
3. Valerie Brown (Thetford / Tourism Sector Representative)
- Warned that the sector is “flooded with requests” for placements — from schools, colleges, and training bodies.
- Stressed the timing mismatch between when schools want placements and when tourism businesses can accommodate them (notably, most attractions close or run skeleton staff in January).
- Compared the current work experience surge to the past “apprenticeship overload” in Norfolk (22 organisations competing for placements).
- Highlighted inflexibility among schools and the risk of disengaging employers if coordination is not improved.
- Called for a different, more strategic model to manage placements collaboratively across providers.
4. Jane Edwards (DWP Partnership Manager)
- Confirmed that Jobcentres are also under pressure to arrange work experience placements as part of Connect to Work and Pathways programmes.
- Differentiated between school-based placements and adult/unemployed placements:
- Schools require large, fixed-time blocks.
- DWP prefers a “drip-feed” model — one placement at a time, tailored to each business’s schedule.
- Sugested that both types serve valuable but distinct purposes and need clearer separation in communications with employers.
5. Rachel Bunn (East Coast College)
- Proposed a pilot model for rotational work experience weeks, involving multiple employers and the college’s commercial training restaurant (“East Restaurant”).
- Example: students could spend two days in college kitchens, one with Adnams Brewery, and another in a Yarmouth tourism business — providing a broader, more inspiring experience.
- Suggested including community projects (e.g. afternoon teas) to add social value and soft skills development.
- Acknowledged schools’ rigidity (insisting on five-day blocks) but argued that the model could be adapted for both school pupils and adults.
- Agreed to report back at the January 2026 meeting on progress and school buy-in.
6. Andrew Wheeler (VENI Lead)
- Summarised consensus that schools’ structures conflict with employer operations, especially in the hospitality/tourism calendar.
- Supported the idea of a “5-Star Employer” recognition scheme for businesses actively supporting apprenticeships, work experience, and local recruitment.
- Encouraged further joint planning between colleges, employers, and DWP to streamline placement coordination.
Main Takeaways
- The group recognised the current model for work experience is not fit for purpose in the visitor economy.
- There’s oversupply of placement requests but poor timing and coordination.
- Need for a multi-partner system linking schools, colleges, DWP, and employers under consistent definitions and timelines.
- Agreed to revisit the issue in January 2026, led by Rachel Bunn (East Coast College) and supported by VENI and local authorities.
5. VENI-VEE Skills Survey
Preliminary analysis shows strong employer demand for customer service and digital marketing training. Further survey responses expected by November. VENI to publish a summary report for partners.
6. VENI training Contracts in 2025/26
• Briefly discussed:
- Kings Lynn and West Norfolk – supported by Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Council (UKSPF) – and working with DWP and College of West Anglia
- West Suffolk supported by West Suffolk Council (UKSPF)and working with DWP
- East Suffolk – Supported by Sizewell C Tourism Mitigation Fund and working with East Coast College and East Suffolk Council (ECC have a separate contract with ESC).
- Suffolk – Customer Service contract covering the whole county – supported by Suffolk County Council (Adult Skills Fund).
Skills Bootcamps – Customer Service for Norfolk and Suffolk – Andrew confirmed that VENI has a contract to deliver three Customer Service Skills Bootcamps, which will kick off in the new year.
7. Elveden-DWP-VENI Partnership Project – Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
Jane Edwards praised the way Kate Martin from Elveden Estates supported this programme, and thanked Andrew and the VENI team for delivering such a productive four-day workshop. The “fantastic opportunity” resulted in two unemployed people offered jobs and the potential for further job offers to follow. Jane remarked that
“It was lovely to see the transformation of those people and ultimately that’s what we’re trying to do”.
Even if the programme didn’t lead to everyone getting jobs straightaway it has certainly made an impact and created new mindsets among participants.
8. Visit East of England – LVEP updates and devolution
Skills Group had a target of 200 trained in World Host in Destination Management Plan key Action Priorities – target almost hit already. Next steps to be proposed by Andrew/Pete at December LVEP board meet.
Successful conference with around 150 delegates – concentrating on how Suffolk and Norfolk LVEP can help businesses.
New B2B website coming in New Year with skills toolkits for businesses.
9. Council Updates
West Suffolk and East Suffolk councils shared updates on UKSPF projects and other programmes.
Jasmine Joolia talked about devolution and local government reorganisation. There’s been a lot of strategic work ongoing within the County Councils. A key aim is to align to the Suffolk and Norfolk Economic Strategies, which were published earlier this year. The Visitor economy is part of that and as a value growth sector, its really important to Suffolk and Norfolk. It’s a sector with lots of opportunities and better quality jobs. Jasmine commented that:
“it’s one of those sectors whereby people can go in almost at any level and then progress”.
Fran Bedding added some points specific to Babergh and Mid-Suffolk: Funding has been secured for a series of four events under the banner of Curiosity—two in Babergh and two in Mid Suffolk. This initiative, which was previously run three or four years ago, aims to inspire both young people and adults by showcasing a variety of career pathways. One of the upcoming events will be held at Gainsborough’s House and will focus on heritage, with further details on the other events to follow.
The team is also keen to continue its collaboration with DWP, particularly through quarterly job fairs held in two locations. These events have proven highly effective in connecting residents with employers and providing valuable exposure to local opportunities. Additional joint efforts with DWP include the placement of a dedicated work coach in Hadleigh, addressing local transport and cost barriers to accessing services in Ipswich. This initiative has shown strong results.
Looking ahead, there is interest in expanding activities to include job swaps and sector-based work academies. However, financial constraints—especially in Babergh—pose a significant challenge. While Mid Suffolk may have slightly more flexibility, the loss of European funding is felt deeply, as it previously enabled a broader range of impactful programmes.
10. Next steps
- Rachel Bunn to report back on East Coast pilot project for work experience.
- Tracey Harding and Andrew to report back on Newmarket Ambassadors Programme.
- Andrew to report back on Skills Bootcamp plans
- Jane Edwards and Andrew to report back on further VENI/DWP Employer partnership projects.
11. Date of Next Meeting:
20th January 2026 Online (TEAMS) at 2.00pm
West Suffolk and East Suffolk councils shared updates on UKSPF projects and other programmes.
Jasmine Joolia talked about devolution and local government reorganisation. There’s been a lot of strategic work ongoing within the County Councils. A key aim is to align to the Suffolk and Norfolk Economic Strategies, which were published earlier this year. The Visitor economy is part of that and as a value growth sector, its really important to Suffolk and Norfolk. It’s a sector with lots of opportunities and better quality jobs. Jasmine commented that:
“it’s one of those sectors whereby people can go in almost at any level and then progress”.
Fran Bedding added some points specific to Babergh and Mid-Suffolk: Funding has been secured for a series of four events under the banner of Curiosity—two in Babergh and two in Mid Suffolk. This initiative, which was previously run three or four years ago, aims to inspire both young people and adults by showcasing a variety of career pathways. One of the upcoming events will be held at Gainsborough’s House and will focus on heritage, with further details on the other events to follow.
The team is also keen to continue its collaboration with DWP, particularly through quarterly job fairs held in two locations. These events have proven highly effective in connecting residents with employers and providing valuable exposure to local opportunities. Additional joint efforts with DWP include the placement of a dedicated work coach in Hadleigh, addressing local transport and cost barriers to accessing services in Ipswich. This initiative has shown strong results.
Looking ahead, there is interest in expanding activities to include job swaps and sector-based work academies. However, financial constraints—especially in Babergh—pose a significant challenge. While Mid Suffolk may have slightly more flexibility, the loss of European funding is felt deeply, as it previously enabled a broader range of impactful programmes.
10. Next steps
- Rachel Bunn to report back on East Coast pilot project for work experience.
- Tracey Harding and Andrew to report back on Newmarket Ambassadors Programme.
- Andrew to report back on Skills Bootcamp plans
- Jane Edwards and Andrew to report back on further VENI/DWP Employer partnership projects.
11. Date of Next Meeting:
20th January 2026 Online (TEAMS) at 2.00pm