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Chris Banks reappointed as Chair of the Learning and Skills Council

22 February 2008

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) today announced the reappointment of Chris Banks as Chairman of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the organisation responsible for the delivery of high quality education and training for young people and adults.

In writing to re-appoint Mr Banks as Chair for a further three years the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has acknowledged Chris' leadership of the LSC over the last three-and-a-half years and his strong personal commitment to equal opportunities and to improving the life chances of many of our most disadvantaged citizens.

Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary John Denham said:

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. Chris Banks will be instrumental in ensuring value for money and driving forward the Leitch Skills agenda.

Chris Banks, Chairman of the Learning and Skills Council, said:

It has been a privilege to lead the LSC over the last three years and I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue this important role as we move into this next crucial phase of the organisation.

Since the LSC was established in 2001, we have overseen record levels of young people and adults taking part in learning and achieving more than ever before. In, fact the LSC has met or exceeded every Government target it has been set, and I would like to pay tribute to the people in the LSC and within the Further Education system for what has been achieved; and to their commitment and determination to build on this success.

There is still much to do and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring that in the next 3 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.

Notes to Editors

  1. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB). With an £11bn budget, it is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and training for young people and adults (excluding higher education). It invests in, and works with, the Further Education system, including colleges, schools, other providers of training, and employers, to give young people and adults the skills they need for sustainable employment and so that employers can recruit individuals with the skills needed for business success, now and in the future.
  2. The Prime Minister has agreed to the reappointment of Chris Banks, Chair of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). This reappointment is in line with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies. This means that, first reappointments (ie a second term of office in the same role) may be made subject to a satisfactory performance assessment. Mr Banks was first appointed as Chair of the LSC on 15 June 2004. His appointment was due to expire in June 2008. The appointment is part-time, (approximately two days a week) and the salary for this post is £51,000. Mr Banks has declared no political activity during the past five years.
  3. Chris Banks was born in 1959 and is married with three children. He was educated at Bristol Cathedral School and graduated from Birmingham University. He is the Founder of Big Thoughts, the leading edge food and business he set up, following a management buy-out from The Coca-Cola Company early in 2001. Big Thoughts focuses on innovation in food and drink, particularly brands which are seen as 'better for you'.
  4. Mr Banks was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004 (Consumer Products, London), in recognition of the success of Big Thoughts and was made a CBE for services to young people and the unemployed in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours.
  5. Mr Banks was Managing Director of Coca-Cola Great Britain from early 1997. He was previously Chief Executive Office, Justerini & Brooks - IDV's global Scotch Whisky business. Prior to that he was with Allied Domecq, HP Bulmer, Mars and ACNielsen.
  6. Chris is also Deputy Chair of the National Employment Panel, advising Government on Welfare to Work reform. He is the former president of The British Soft Drinks Association and until recently a member of the Board of Improve Ltd, the Food and Drink Sector Skills Council, and a Commissioner for Women and Work.