The ITCILO has just released two complementary reports that together provide a clear, evidence-based picture of the impact and future direction of its Employers’ Activities Programme (ACTEMP). The Impact Evaluation of ACTEMP’s Training Activities 2023–2025 and the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) 2026–2027 highlight both what has been achieved and how the Programme will evolve in response to Employers and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs)’ changing realities.

The Impact Evaluation confirms that ACTEMP’s training and advisory services are delivering strong and sustained results for EBMOs worldwide. Participants report high levels of satisfaction and relevance, with learning translating into concrete changes in daily work practices and organisational performance. Nearly three quarters of respondents indicated that they changed how they work following ACTEMP training, while almost half reported that their organisations launched new initiatives or services. These include governance reforms, financial sustainability measures, enhanced advocacy tools, new member services and digital innovations. For the first time, the evaluation also assessed advisory services, confirming their growing strategic value in supporting institutional transformation.

Download the full report Impact Evaluation of ACTEMP’s Training Activities 2023–2025

Looking ahead, the Training Needs Assessment sends a clear and timely signal. EBMOs are operating in a rapidly shifting landscape and face a “double squeeze”: mounting political and economic pressures externally, combined with increasing internal strain on financial sustainability. Business models are under threat, creating unprecedented leadership and governance challenges for EBMOs across regions. Against this backdrop, the TNA Report highlights persistent internal challenges—financial sustainability, membership development, human resource management and governance—alongside the accelerating impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

The conclusions and recommendations of the TNA will directly shape ITCILO ACTEMP’s training and advisory offer for the next two years. They reaffirm why the support tools, peer learning networks, training programmes and ongoing guidance provided by the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) and the ITCILO Employers’ Programme are more critical than ever. Together, the two reports provide a solid evidence base to ensure ACTEMP continues to equip EBMOs to navigate complexity, renew their business models and remain credible, resilient and future-ready.

Download the full report Training Needs Assessment (TNA) 2026–2027