Saturday, 26 December 2009 19:26 Learning and Skills Council (LSC) chief executive Geoff Russell will head the new Skills Funding Agency from 1 April 2010, when it takes over the responsibility for adult skills.

The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, Kevin Brennan, said Mr Russell is "well placed to help build a skills funding system that is flexible and addresses the needs of learners, training providers and business".

Mr Russell, who also has a strong background in audit, financial management and consultancy, said: "The Skills Funding Agency will be at the heart of the economic recovery, delivering a skilled workforce for the 21st century, responding effectively to demand and supporting achievement, innovation and enterprise.

"In the meantime, I shall continue in post as the chief executive of the LSC until it is time to close the book on what overall has been a very successful organisation in achieving better outcomes for learners and employers.

"David Cragg, the interim chief executive of the Agency, has been doing an excellent job of preparing the Skills Funding Agency to become fully operational from April next year, as a much leaner and streamlined organisation."

As part of core changes to how learning in the UK is funded, the Skills Funding Agency will be working closely with Regional Development Agencies and Local Authorities, which will deliver skills at a local level.