Extract from a new posting on the Lifelong Learning website focused on teh work of Policy Action Teams:-

Following last September's publication of the Social Exclusion Unit's report Bringing Britain Together: A National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, 18 Policy Action Teams (PATs), involving officials from Government Departments and a number of external experts, have been set up to examine different aspects of deprivation and to make recommendations for long-term action to turn disadvantaged communities around.

The Policy Action Team on Skills is led by DfEE and is chaired by Derek Grover, the Director of Skills and Lifelong Learning in the Department. We have a remit to examine the reasons why many people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods have low skill levels, and to make recommendations about how they might be improved. We are doing this via an intensive programme of research and visits, which will culminate in a report to the Prime Minister by the end of the year. An overall National Strategy for neighbourhood renewal, building on reports from all 18 PATs, is due for completion towards the end of the year.

Like all PATs, we are trying to operate in an inclusive, consultative way involving many external contacts and residents of deprived communities themselves.

There is a consultation form available at the website for you to post your response to various issues online.