The Government has decided to disestablish the current Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and establish new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs).  

The ISBs will take on some of the WDC functions from January 2026. There will be differences between WDCs and ISBs. ISBs will have a role strongly focused around their standards setting function with a lower level of government funding available. We expect that the number and coverage of ISBs could be different from the WDC model.  

For the consultation document, see Consultation on Industry Skills Boards’ coverage.

TEC will be running webinars on the proposals set out in the consultation document in the next two weeks. Consultation runs from 28 April until 5.00pm Tuesday 20 May 2025. 

Nominations for Establishment Advisory Groups for Industry Skills Boards 

The TEC is also inviting industries to nominate representatives to help establish the Industry Skills Boards. 

Each Industry Skills Board will have an Establishment Advisory Group with three members from industry. Establishment Advisory Groups will be responsible for ensuring each Industry Skills Board can successfully stand up on day one. The role of the Establishment Advisory Groups is focused on governance rather than industry advocacy.

For further information on the Establishment Advisory Groups and the nomination proces, see Help establish Industry Skills Boards.