Industry Advisory Group for rUK Talent Attraction minutes: June 2022

Attendees and apologies

Attendees

• (Chair) Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise
• Shona Artale, Q2 Solutions
• Craig Clark, Space Scotland
• Shona Darroch, Diodes
• Grieg Rooney, Valneva
• Ross Tuffee, Digital Technologies Skills Group
• Morag Watson, Scottish Renewables
• Steven Grier, Microsoft
• Gordon McGuinness, Skills Development Scotland
• Julie Morrison, Scottish Enterprise

SG Officials

• Carron Flockhart, Unit Head, Future Skills Strategy
• Lisa Buchan, Team Leader: Skills, Talent Attraction and Retention
• Mike Tuckwell, Senior Policy Officer: Skills, Talent Attraction and Retention
• Lisa Young, Policy Officer: Skills, Talent Attraction and Retention
• Steve Banks, Strategy and Insight Lead

Apologies

• Justin Black, Hays Recruitment
• Sarah Ronald, Nile HQ
• Colin Halpin, Scottish Financial Enterprise
• Mark Cowan, Scottish Leather Group

Items and actions

Welcome and apologies

Welcome extended and introductions given by everyone in attendance.

Jigsaw research

A presentation of the research findings carried out by Jigsaw was given to the group which highlighted the findings on motivations and perceptions of people considering moving to Scotland. 

Discussion around how to use this research to market Scotland to encourage people to move to Scotland.

Draft Programme of Talent Attraction and Retention Activity

A paper was presented outlining the targeted activities to attract and retain people moving to Scotland. The paper was compiled as an output of the Industry Advisory Group members’ input and collaboration and highlighted three main areas for intervention:

• a programme of geographic and sector specific talent attraction campaigns and events
• alumni network activity aimed at investment of time and supporting new graduates
• activity to promote positive business culture

Discussion included:

• understanding alumni members’ motivation in becoming involved
• focus on undergraduates as well as graduates 
• the need for personalisation of support offer to individuals relocating, joining up at a local level and regional initiatives
• the need to recognise Scotland’s strengths and what we are famous for to maximise attraction

The group agreed to progress with a programme of activity for talent attraction and to explore the possibilities afforded by the alumni network. The group agreed that business culture was out with the remit of this group and responsibility lay within industry itself.

AOB

Members were asked to consider if additional representatives were needed to add to the group. 

Actions

• officials and members to progress a draft programme of activity to promote talent attraction and retention
• officials and members to progress activity around use of alumni network
• members and officials to consider adding to the group membership

Close of meeting and final remarks- AOB and date of next meeting

Mr McKee thanked everyone for attending. Next meeting 1 September 2022.