Sector Response to Stephen Evans announced as New Chief Executive for Learning and Work Institute.

Stephen Evans will take over in September as CEO at Learning and Work Institute, following the departure of David Hughes who will become CEO at Association of Colleges. 

Stephen who has been Deputy CEO for two years and has responsibility for our extensive research and development work. Stephen previously worked at Working Links, a leading provider for employment and skills services, where he led on policy, strategy and business development. Prior to this, Stephen worked for the London Development Agency as Director of Employment and Skills, Chief Economist at the Social Market Foundation; and spent six years as Senior Policy Advisor in HM Treasury, leading on policy to cut child poverty, increase employment and boost productivity.

Maggie Galliers CBE, Chair of the Learning and Work Institute Company Board said: 

“Stephen has an impressive CV and is a very experienced choice, best placed to build on our strengths and provide a strong voice for lifelong learning, full employment and inclusion.

“Whilst saying goodbye to an excellent Chief Executive in David Hughes, I am delighted that he will be replaced by someone as experienced and dedicated as Stephen who will lead the Learning and Work Institute to a successful future.”

Stephen Evans, incoming CEO said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute. Learning and work have the power to transform lives, but today too many people are missing out. With the pace of economic, social and political change it has perhaps never been more important to tackle these inequalities. That is what drives the Learning and Work Institute.

“David Hughes has done an excellent job building our organisation and championing lifelong learning. I look forward to building on this and ensuring the Learning and Work Institute is a powerful voice for ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential through learning and work.” 

Mark Dawe, Chief Executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) comments on looking forward to working with Stephen:

“We congratulate Stephen on his appointment and we look forward very much to working with him.”

Kirsty McHugh, CEO of ERSA said, “We’re absolutely delighted that Stephen Evans is taking over the helm at Learning and Work Institute.  This is a time of some uncertainty for the employment and skills sectors and I am looking forward to working with him to provide the combined leadership to steer us through.”

Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “We welcome Stephen Evans to the role as Chief Executive of the Learning and Work Institute.

“AoC has worked closely with the Learning and Work Institute, and its predecessor Niace, for many years and we look forward to working with Stephen in the future.”