The Insitute of Directors Scotland’s latest State of the Nation Directors Survey 2024 offers insights into skills, employment, and policy attitudes among its members.

The survey reveals a notable increase in confidence among members regarding their organisations’ skilled workforce. A majority (61%) express assurance in having the right number of skilled individuals for current job roles, marking a significant uptick from the previous year’s figure of 54%.

Looking ahead, 54% are optimistic about their organisations’ recruitment prospects for upcoming vacancies, reflecting trends observed in 2023.

However, disparities emerge in apprenticeship participation and levy payment within respondent organisations. While 46% report involvement with apprenticeships or training schemes, only 23% contribute to the apprenticeship levy. Among levy-paying firms, a substantial 67% express reservations regarding the levy’s value.

Sentiments regarding the Scottish Government’s economic policy are mixed.

A significant proportion (76%) believes insufficient attention has been given to fostering economic growth. On environmental fronts, 81% are implementing or planning measures related to environmental, social, and governance considerations (ESG).

Adoption of the Scottish Government’s ‘Fair Work Nation Principles’ has increased, with 41% of respondents reporting adoption by their organisations, up from 23% in the previous year.

Continuing professional development (CPD) remains a priority among IoD Scotland members, with 87% having undertaken CPD in the last three years, and 82% planning to do so within the next three. Additionally, 92% emphasise the importance of organisational investment in the skills development of others.

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Catherine McWilliam, nations director for Scotland at the IoD, commented: “Compared to 2020, today’s business landscape is very different, leaders have an abundance of opportunities to better their businesses through AI, net zero, fair work, inclusivity and diversity – and many of them are keen to tackle these areas alongside working towards growth.

“But these areas are at the risk of being seen as ‘nice to have’, remaining simply as ambitions, if we don’t get the fundamentals like access to skilled workers and policy implementation right.

“Collaboration is key – by creating clear channels of communication and a meaningful opportunity to engage with decision makers about the challenges facing businesses, we can create a thriving economy that will attract talent and investment from the rest of the UK.”