Skills Builder Universal Framework for Essential Skills

Movement to Work has partnered with The Skills Builder Partnership because we know the transformative power of essential skills across an individual’s lifetime. These skills boost wellbeing, earnings, and halve the likelihood of being out of work or employment.

The Universal Framework for Essential Skills is a product of over five years’ research in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company, Gatsby Foundation, Business in the Community, and CIPD. 

The Skills Builder Universal Framework makes it possible for everyone to teach, learn, and measure essential skills at any stage of their lives and careers.

The Framework breaks each of the eight essential skills down into a sequence of 16 measurable, teachable steps, taking individuals from being an absolute beginner through to mastery. It takes essential skills and puts rigour behind them.

The receiving, retaining and processing of information or ideas.

The oral transmission of information or ideas.

The ability to find a solution to a situation or challenge.

The use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

The ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

The ability to use tactics and strategies to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

Working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

Supporting, encouraging and developing others to achieve a shared goal.

How to embed essential skills in your organisation

  • Outreach – Ensure essential skills for all: Provide meaningful opportunities for young people and those outside the labour market to develop the skills to succeed through outreach activities equipping the workforce of tomorrow with essential skills.
  • Recruitment – Hire the right person for the right role: Ensure transparency throughout your hiring process and level the playing field by using the clear and consistent language of the Skills Builder Framework across your recruitment cycle.
  • Staff development – Build a skilled and inclusive workforce: Identify essential skill strengths and gaps in your workforce and provide individuals at all levels of the business with opportunities to build these skills at each stage of their professional journey.

View the framework

Find out more