Chris Banks has been reappointed chairman of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for an additional three-year term.
The LSC is charged with improving the skills of the UK population and is leading the government’s flagship Train to Gain initiative.
Banks was appointed chair of the LSC in June 2004. He is the founder of Big Thoughts, a food business he set up, following a management buy-out from The Coca-Cola Company early in 2001.
John Denham, skills secretary said of the re-appointment: “Chris Banks has provided the dynamic leadership over the past three years that has helped lead the transformation of the further education system. I look to him to provide the strong leadership to ensure that the LSC meets the new challenges we have set for it, including driving forward an expanding apprenticeship programme.
“Improving the skills of the nation has never been more important. The LSC will invest £11.6bn in 2008-09, £12bn in 2009-10 and £12.6bn in 2010-11 of public money for the benefit of young people, adults and employers. Banks will be instrumental in ensuring value for money and driving forward the Leitch Skills agenda.”
Banks said: “It has been a privilege to lead the LSC over the past three years. There is still much to do and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring that in the next three years – as we undergo another period of huge change – we maintain and accelerate performance and focus on the best outcome for learners, employers and our communities.”
