Answer
The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) is responsible for
funding, supporting and monitoring the network of Sector Skills
Councils (SSCs).
The SSDA is a non-departmental public body with its main base
in South Yorkshire and representatives across the UK. The
organisation is led by Chair Margaret Salmon and Chief Executive
Mark Fisher, both of whom were appointed by the Secretary of State
for Education and Skills.
An employer-led Board provides additional strategic support
and advice.
In brief, the SSDA's responsibilities are to:
- fund, support an monitor performance of
SSCs
- ensure consistent, high-quality standards across
the Skills for Business network
- ensure skills provision is designed to meet
sector needs
- provide minimum cover for sectors without an
SSC
- ensure generic skills are effectively covered in
the work of the SSCs
- promote best practice sharing and bench-marking
between sectors
- to collate high quality labour market
intelligence and to make this available via a website portal