Kelly Appoints Experts To LSC Governing Body

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The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced the appointment of three leading figures to its National Council. The National Council is the governing body of the LSC, with 16 members appointed directly by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

Stepping down in the turnover are Lynne Morris, Principle of Joseph Chamberlain College, and Professor Bob Fryer, Chief Executive of National Health Service University. Also leaving the Council is Sir George Sweeney, who is to take the role of Special Advisor to the National Council.

Chris Banks, Chair of the LSC, praised Lynne Morris and Professor Fryer for their “direct and significant contributions to the LSC’s achievements”. He also welcomed Sir George Sweeney’s new position as Special Advisor, adding: “His continued support in an advisory role will be critical to the LSC, particularly in light of his pioneering work in driving forward college self-regulation”.

Stepping into their shoes however, are three top experts whose experience will no doubt benefit the LSC. The new appointments are Clare Ighodaro, Mary Marsh and John Taylor. Clare Ighodaro has vast experience in the field of finance, having been Finance Director of Broadband at British Telecom, the immediate past President of the Chartered Institute of management Accountants, and currently a non-executive Director of the Banking Code Standards Board. Mary Marsh is Director and Chief Executive of the NSPCC and has twice worked as a head teacher. John Taylor is Chief Executive of Sheffield College and Chair of the Sheffield First for Learning & Work Partnership.

The new appointments will serve four year terms and Chris Banks said: “Their appointments are part of the Learning and Skills Council’s ambitious strategic development plan for the transformation of the Learning and Skills sector. They will work closely with the rest of the team ensuring that we provide an unparalleled public service to business and the six million learners that we fund and serve. Nothing less will do.” Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills ““ the person in charge of appointments, added: “With these three new appointments, the LSC is strengthening its capacity to focus on this crucial challenge and make a real difference, both to our economy and to peoples lives”.

Despite the turnover in personnel, the quality of the new appointments will mean that the National Council can continue to work effectively. The vacancies attracted considerable interest with 138 applications being received, yet only three available positions. In addition to these appointments, interviews will be held in early March for new members of the Adult Learners” Committee and the Young People’s Learning Committee.

Alex Moore

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