The Learning and Skills Council today launched a consultation on its strategy for Sustainable Development in the learning and skills sector.

The LSC’s recommendations include identifying and training champions for sustainable development so that every college, training provider and LSC office in England has at least one knowledgeable, committed champion who will promote the protection of the environment, prudent use of natural resources and the maintenance of high, stable levels of economic growth.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Charles Clarke, then-secretary of state for Education and Skills, said: "I urge people to respond to the LSC's proactive approach in its consultation on Sustainable Development. The proposals cover the whole of the learning and skills sector, all types of providers and their staff, and the LSC itself. The strategy will support the delivery of my own Department's Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills."

Stakeholder Response: Learning and Skills Council

Caroline Neville, director of the Learning Group, said: "Sustainable Development is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, both now and for generations to come. We are working with our partners in post-16 education and training to develop approaches that encourage sustainability. We are committed to linking policy and practice through the training we plan and fund; the management of resources; and our work with local communities."

Stakeholder Response: CITB -Construction Skills

A spokesman for CITB-Construction Skills said: "CITB-ConstructionSkills, as part of a wider stakeholder group, has been working closely with the Learning and Skills Council on its strategy for Sustainable Development in the learning and skills sector to ensure that it takes full account of employer needs and is not just supply driven.