High Level IP Programme

Descriptions

Overview of the ProgrammeSkillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media (which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion & textiles) is the strategic body, licensed by government and endorsed by industry, to develop the skills, training and education policy for the Creative Media Industries. Skillset Cymru, the Welsh arm of the council, is tasked with taking forward Skillset’s work within a Welsh context.Skillset Cymru has secured funding support from the European Social Fund (ESF) via the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) to deliver the Skills for the Digital Economy Programme. This programme seeks to develop and deliver flexible, industry-led, high level skills provision which meets the needs of Creative Media employers and freelancers working in West Wales and the Valleys, supporting the knowledge economy and safeguarding the performance and productivity of the sector in these regions. These regions include the unitary authorities of Isle of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen. Please note that as a condition of the funding, this programme is not pan-Wales in scope and focuses entirely on supporting the Creative Media workforce in West Wales and the Valleys, where GDP per head in these regions is 7% lower than the European average. For participants to be eligible, they must live or work within these areas. For further guidance on eligibility, please refer to Section 3 of the Delivery Guidelines for Training Providers 2011).Tender SpecificationIndustry in West Wales and the Valleys has identified the need for a programme addressing IP creation, management, retention and exploitation. Industry recognises that not all types of creative activity have the same IP frameworks – e.g. freelancers can be particularly exposed through lack of time and knowledge to exploitation by others.Skillset is looking to contract with a training provider specialising in IP to deliver a series of master classes with international/established speakers and experts. There should be a mixture of masterclasses aimed at a number of different target groups including established businesses, start up enterprises, SMEs, micro-businesses and sole traders. Each master class should be tailored to each group’s needs.A mentoring element must also be integrated into the programme (i.e. some kind of content brokerage service with IP experts working with these different groups). An online element to the project would be advantageous.Skillset is looking for at least 50 participants to benefit from this programme.