CMI response to the Autumn Budget 2024

Ann Francke, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), said:

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) stands ready to support the Government’s growth agenda through our commitment to upskilling leaders and managers across the economy.

In a tight fiscal environment, boosting management isn’t about large spending increases; it’s about focused, decisive action that builds momentum. Capable, confident managers and leaders will enhance investments in infrastructure and will be critical to leveraging private investment.

To improve these skills rapidly - be they in the NHS, education, local government or across the private sector - Government needs to listen to employers and ensure they have the funding routes they need to upskill their managers.

Closing the UK’s management skills gap with other leading economies is essential. Without skilled managers and leaders, the UK will struggle to grow productivity, deliver better working conditions, public service improvements, or a successful green transition.

Management is a crucial skill that cuts across all industries, sectors and missions, and is essential for their delivery. With a new Skills and Growth Levy, a commitment to standards-based, accredited training is key to empowering UK workers at every level and career stage, whether through flexible, modular courses or degree apprenticeships.

Data shows that support for higher-level apprenticeships, especially in management, can resolve critical skill shortages, boost productivity, and enhance social mobility across the UK’s regions and nations.