In January 2010, LSIS set out to investigate future leadership and management and skills needs during recession and any implications for its learning and development provision. The research was conducted  by the Institute for Employment Studies in partnership with the Learning and Skills Network and The Work Foundation. The research examined:

• Long- term trends in skills needs for leadership and management through a literature review, including comparisons between the public and private sectors.
• Skills required for leadership and management during periods of difficult financial circumstances in national, public sector, and individual provider contexts.
• Implications of changing customer needs for LSIS provision, drawing on revisions being undertaken by other providers of management and leadership development, primarily in the public sector.