Vocational GCSEs

Debate between Lord Roe of West Wickham and Baroness Smith of Malvern

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes an important point. We will consult on the content and nature of vocational GCSEs very soon, this autumn. Because this is about technical pathways delivered and developed at a local and regional level, we are also working closely with mayoral authorities, employers and others. I am sure that they, as we do, will want to ensure that there is strong advice for parents and clear information about what it means to take a vocational GCSE as part of that broad curriculum.

[Lord Roe of West Wickham (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as the chair of the Building Safety Regulator. I think it is fair to say that it is well understood across both sides of this House that the construction economy is one of the most important parts of our wider economy. It employs 2 million people, but it will run about 40,000 construction workers short every year between now and 2030. I know that the new proposed vocational GCSE for building construction has been widely welcomed by the industry, but what specific work is being done to ensure that the curriculum and syllabus are built on the needs of the industry and in conjunction with the industry?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

My noble friend makes an important point. These qualifications must align with and be informed by what the industry sees as important, because that is what provides the opportunity for the young person to know that they are on a pathway that can lead to good work. That will be a key element of the consultation starting soon.

Maximum Temperature for Indoor Workplaces

Debate between Lord Roe of West Wickham and Baroness Smith of Malvern

Wednesday 15th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

I know that my colleagues in the MHCLG are concerned about this issue. They understand that, as climate risks intensify, integrating adaptation into home upgrade policy is essential to mitigate overheating and other climate-related impacts. The Warm Homes Plan sets out our approach to retrofitting and climate adaptation. Over the course of this Parliament, we intend to introduce the most appropriate and cost-effective passive cooling measures into our capital-funded schemes, focused on improving the homes particularly of low-income consumers and those living in social housing, and we will prioritise higher-impact, lower-cost and lower-regret measures to ensure best value for money. The Government are also exploring how to set stronger objectives for climate adaptation to improve preparedness for the impacts of climate change.

[Lord Roe of West Wickham (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her answers. I declare an interest as chair of the Building Safety Regulator. I am fairly sure that the Minister is aware that, alongside active measures to cool homes, there is much that can be done in building design. We see that on the continent and in very hot environments. Is now the time to prioritise a long, hard look at Part O of the building regulations, so that we future-proof commercial and domestic premises to ensure some sort of longevity as we face what is by many objective measures a climate crisis?