After hearing the four evidence sessions which have taken place this spring, we would like to offer the following points in case useful to the Committee. 10th Meeting, 26 March: James Withers and Skills Development Scotland In response to the oral evidence given on 26 March 2024 (James Withers), we can advise the following: • We agree with the points Mr Withers made at Committee. • We agree that the current credit-based funding model is impacting on decisions around college activity and capping their ability to be fully flexible, agile and responsive to employer need. • We agree that colleges need to be clearly recognised in terms of roles and responsibilities within Regional Economic Partnerships and Regional Skills Planning Arrangements. • We agree that clear leadership is needed from Scottish Government Ministers to truly value Apprenticeships and that there is a need for greater political leadership in the Skills System and that there needs to be a clear, single responsibility for Skills within the Scottish Government. • We agree that the lack of transparency regarding the Apprenticeship levy has been damaged faith and trust in the Skills Delivery Landscape and that this has to change.