The latest People South Action Group meeting highlighted a new wave of change for members, with a new Chair, changes to apprenticeship funding and skills development, and a new opportunity to support employees in choosing more sustainable travel for their holidays.
Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Chief Executive of Business South, chaired the meeting and welcomed members and speakers. She announced that Charmain Browning of DP World would be stepping down from her role as Chair of People South and thanked her for her service and support over the years.
Business South also announced the appointment of Darren Tibble, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Dutton Gregory, as the new Chair of People South. Members welcomed Darren to the role and looked forward to the group’s future direction under his leadership.
Jodi Fair of the Solent Growth Partnership provided an update on recent apprenticeship and skills reforms. Changes to the Growth & Skills Levy include a reduction in the time available to spend levy funds, increased employer co-investment requirements, and new restrictions on government-funded Level 7 apprenticeships. Jodi also outlined the introduction of shorter, levy-funded “Apprenticeship Units”, designed to help employers quickly address skills gaps in areas such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Alongside these reforms, new financial incentives are being introduced to encourage employers to recruit and support young people.
The meeting concluded with an inspiring presentation from Helen Lawler of Stride Treglown, who shared the organisation’s experience of participating in Sustainable Travel Leave, a programme developed by climate charity Possible and now adopted by more than 200 employers across the UK. The scheme rewards employees with up to two additional days of annual leave when they choose lower-carbon travel options, such as trains, coaches or ferries, for personal holidays. Since adopting the scheme in 2024, Stride Treglown has reported positive employee feedback, supporting both wellbeing and sustainability goals while helping to reduce carbon emissions. In its 2025 Impact Report, the company reported that colleagues saved more than 35,000kg of CO₂e by travelling more sustainably.
Together, these developments reflect People South’s continued focus on leadership, skills, sustainability and employee wellbeing, creating new opportunities and ideas for organisations and their people.
