The president of the Association of Colleges (AoC), and outgoing principal of South Cheshire College, will replace Roger McCLure, and serve for a one year period until 1 August 2010.

"The excellent work of the predecessor organisations and the completion of the complex merger provide strong foundations to build on. I look forward to working with the staff and board. It is a very exciting time for LSIS as it furthers its unique role as a sector-owned improvement service," said Dr Collins.

Dame Ruth Silver, chair of LSIS Board, said: "David is someone steeped in current professional practice, with a track record in delivering excellent learning and skills provision. He also has strong academic credentials in improving quality and has written on leadership and management in Further Education. So he is exactly the right person to lead LSIS into its next phase of development, ensuring it becomes an integral part of the sector and taking every opportunity to move closer to it."

The 157 Group, which was formed in 2006 to represent 26 of the most influential Colleges in the FE, welcomed the appointment.

Lynne Sedgmore, 157 executive director, said: "I wish to formally pass on my congratulations to Dr Collins. I have worked with David in a number of roles throughout our careers and am confident that he will provide strong leadership for the Learning and Skills Improvement Service.

"Further Education is a remarkable sector that deserves strong national advocates. As a high profile AoC president, David has raised FE’s profile and, where necessary, thoughtfully challenged.

"The 157 group remains committed to playing a role in the strategic direction of LSIS and I am personally confident that by utilising sector knowledge and capacity the organisation will continue forward."

Graham Moore, chair of the 157 Group, added: "I look forward to working with Dr Collins in his new capacity. I am particularly pleased that having been created as a ‘sector led’ organisation LSIS will now be led by a retiring Further Education College Principal.

"David’s appointment provides an excellent opportunity for LSIS to reflect upon its role within the Learning and Skills sector. I am confident that he will make bold decisions that are rooted in ensuring the sector receives a top class supporting agency, that uses the skills already well embedded within many sector institutions."

Graham Hoyle OBE, the chief executive of the Association of Learning Providers (ALP) who has been co-chair of the LSIS Council with Dame Ruth, will also become sole chair from 1 August - reflecting the diversity of the sector.

(Pictured: New LSIS chief executive Dr David Collins CBE)