The Integrated Regional Employability and Skills (IRES) Programme was established as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, following approval of the IRES Business Case in December 2018.
Developed as a cross-sector change programme, IRES was designed to transform how regional labour market policy and practice operate, with a clear focus on driving inclusive growth. Backed by a £25 million investment over eight years, the programme set out an ambitious vision to better align skills, employability and economic opportunity across the region.
At its core, IRES brings together partners from across the six local authorities, alongside colleges, universities, national agencies, employers and the third sector, to deliver a more joined-up and data-informed approach to skills and employability.
The programme is structured around seven interconnected projects which are underpinned by a strong focus on knowledge sharing, data insights, evaluation and continuous improvement.
Since its launch in 2019, IRES has demonstrated the value of coordinated regional action, delivering at scale and supporting thousands of people to improve their skills, access employment and progress in their careers.
Building on these foundations, the next phase of IRES will continue to evolve the system, strengthening pathways into higher-skilled, better-paid work and supporting a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready regional economy.