Sector interviews conducted during 2022–2023 highlighted the challenges facing the Access Trades sector at that time. These discussions identified several key themes, which were subsequently captured in the Access Trades Sector Voice Report.

The key themes included workforce attraction, retention, upskilling, and enhancing diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the sector was found to require improved access to data, stronger relationships, and greater regulatory support to enable a proactive response to economic changes.

Based on these findings, a range of recommendations was developed, incorporating both long-term strategic actions and short- to medium-term activity. While the economic environment has since evolved, the key themes—and many of the recommendations—remain highly relevant.

To ensure alignment with the shifting landscape, industry input and guidance from the Strategic Reference Group (SRG) have been integral to shaping the SRG Action Plan and priorities, addressing the sector's immediate and medium-term needs, while having an eye to the future.