Supporting 12 schools through the Skills Builder Accelerator Programme

Strengthening our commitment to essential life and employability skills

We are excited to be sponsoring 12 schools across the country to join this year’s Skills Builder Accelerator Programme. Building on our collaboration with the Skills Builder Partnership, and strengthening our commitment to social value and employability we’re helping young people develop the essential skills they need to succeed in education, work and everyday life — no matter their background. This work also forms part of the social value commitments we deliver for our Central Government clients.

About the Skills Builder Partnership

The Skills Builder Partnership brings together schools, employers and organisations across the UK with one shared mission: to help individuals build the essential skills that set them up for success. At the heart of this is the Skills Builder Universal Framework, which breaks down eight key skills — listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, adapting, planning, leadership and teamwork — into clear, teachable steps. This evidence-based approach gives educators and employers a shared language for skills development and a structured way to track progress over time.

What the Accelerator Programme offers

The Skills Builder Accelerator is a year-long programme that helps schools take a whole-school approach to developing essential skills. Through leadership training, coaching and staff development, schools receive practical support to embed the Universal Framework into lessons and enrichment activities.

Each school appoints a dedicated Skills Leader, working alongside a member of the senior leadership team, to guide implementation. With ongoing support from Skills Builder specialists, schools end the programme with a sustainable skills plan, measurable impact data and the opportunity to earn the Skills Builder Award in recognition of excellence.

How CGI in the UK is supporting schools

While the Skills Builder framework and resources are freely available, CGI’s sponsorship enables these schools to access fully funded places on the Accelerator Programme. This includes specialist training, expert guidance and tools that help schools measure their progress.

The 12 CGI-sponsored schools — located across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Oldham, Tameside, Wigan, Wiltshire, Telford and Bradford — support communities that often face significant social or economic challenges.
By investing in this partnership, we are helping to equip both students and teachers with skills that build confidence, ambition and long-term opportunity.

“It is fantastic to partner with CGI to deliver our flagship Accelerator Programme. With CGI’s funding, we are able to partner with 12 schools and colleges across the UK to put essential skills at the heart of each school’s educational offering. These essential skills are vital to young people’s future as they enable people to thrive upon leaving education. It is brilliant to partner with CGI, an organisation committed to delivering social impact to learners across our education system.”
— John Sampson, Development Manager, Skills Builder Partnership

“Delivering as part of our partnership with Skills Builder allows us to play a meaningful role in supporting schools in some of the most disadvantaged communities, ensuring students gain the tools they need to thrive in education and beyond.
This initiative is not only about building skills — it’s about building confidence, aspirations and opportunities.”
— Pip Green, Director of Social Value, CGI in the UK

Creating lasting social value

At CGI, we’re committed to creating long-term social value for our clients, our CGI Partners and the communities where we live and work.
Our partnership with Skills Builder reflects this commitment — investing in education, opportunity and the future of young people across the UK.

Find out more about the Skills Builder Partnership: https://www.skillsbuilder.uk/