Jacqui Smith Confirms New Skills Role Across both DWP and DfE

Jacqui Smith has confirmed she will continue as Minister for Skills, taking on a dual role across the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Education (DfE).

She will serve as Minister of State for Skills within DWP, linking the agenda directly to labour market and employment policy, while also continuing her responsibilities for FE and HE in DfE. In addition, she remains Minister for Women and Equalities.

This is significant. For the first time in years, the skills brief is being tied directly to welfare, employability and economic growth through DWP. With Pat McFadden now in place as Work and Pensions Secretary, there is a clear opportunity to align skills with wider labour market reform.

However, the dual structure also means skills now has two departmental homes, and two Secretaries of State.

Why does this matter?

• It could finally help address the long-standing challenge of joining up employability and skills.
• It places colleges, training providers and universities closer to the centre of the government’s growth mission.
• But it also raises questions about how responsibilities and funding will be divided between DWP and DfE.

For the FE and skills sector, this is a moment to watch closely. The potential is huge, but clarity will be key.

Check out Jacqui Smith’s LinkedIn post confirming her new role here: