Assesses the use of the terms ‘generic skills’ and ‘cross-occupational learning’ within selected ‘core’ occupations and the alignment of these terms with the definitions contained in the Egan review of skills. Establishes the nature and extent of skills baseline for sustainable communities. Assesses the extent to which these two terms are components within curricula across learning institutions. Highlights challenges but also good practice examples in skills and learning provision. Identifies gaps and shortages in learning provision in order to inform skills and professional development.

The 2004 Egan review of Skills for Sustainable Communities stated that there is a range of skills needed to deliver sustainable communities that cut across occupations. The review also suggested that inter-disciplinary learning should be seen as a key method for the acquisition of generic skills. This research was commissioned to establish the extent of these generic skills in those professionals identified as being required for the delivery of sustainable communities, and also establish the nature of learning activity taking place between these occupations.

The research methodology comprised of a desk-based review of literature relating to generic skills and cross-occupational learning, and primary interview research with professional bodies, providers of training and learning, and key policy stakeholders.

Finds that learning and professional development have become more embracing of generic knowledge, though the terms used for generic skills are not totally aligned with the Egan definition. Providers use various approaches to develop generic skills. The most commonly provided generic skills across sectors are team/partnership working, analysis, and decision- making and communication skills. There is an increasing demand for training in generic skills and cross-occupational learning, however the nature and extent of provision varies by type of provider.

Academy for Sustainable Communities
Phone: +44 (0) 113 394 4630
enquiries@ascskills.org.uk

01/02/2006

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research

Urban Policy