Memorandum of understanding on a co-regulatory system for training and the development of skills in television and radio

Ofcom, UK television and radio broadcasters, and Skillset (the Sector Skills Council for the Audiovisual Industries) have agreed to establish a co-regulatory system for ensuring that effective arrangements are made for training and the development of skills. The way in which the new system will operate is set out in the attached Memorandum of Understanding which was signed at the beginning of May 2005.

Although not legally binding, the MOU is an important document because it confirms the parties’ commitment to co-regulation and their agreement on the essential points.

The new system gives responsibility to broadcasters for setting objectives and standards for training, both individually and, as appropriate, collectively through Skillset. A new body, consisting of independent and industry members, will oversee this process and assess whether the arrangements made by broadcasters for meeting their objectives are adequate. If it decides that remedies need to be put in place, broadcasters will be expected to take due account of this.

This body (the Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator) will also work with Skillset to ensure that appropriate research is carried out into skills gaps and training needs, and in encouraging and facilitating best practice. Two specific tasks for the BTSR will be to address the issue of funding the training of freelancers in television and to recommend whether changes are needed to the arrangements for training in the radio sector.

Ofcom announced the appointment of a Chairman for the BTSR (Ralph Tabberer) in early May 2005. Other independent and industry members will be appointed shortly, and it is intended that the BTSR and the co-regulatory system will begin operating in the summer.

For further information about the BTSR or the co-regulatory system email: peter.bourton@ofcom.org.uk.