Message to stakeholders from Secretary of State, John Denham, about recent Government changes
"I wanted to write to you today in light of the recent Ministerial reshuffle to set out what this means for DIUS.
The role of DIUS
Britain is facing a period of immense economic challenges, which are global in origin and affect the work of many Government departments.
Financial instability as a result of conditions in global financial markets, high and volatile global oil prices with a knock-on effect on household fuel bills, and high global food prices have changed the economic landscape.
To support the UK economy through these challenges we need investment in talent and innovation more than ever.
Talent and innovation are a key source of competitive differentiation in years ahead. DIUS is a key player in helping individuals, families and businesses. Working with our partners we directly support learners to improve their skills and gain sustainable employment; businesses to improve their skills base and become more competitive through Train To Gain; and students to go to university through financial support.
Our science and research base supports this, and directly tackles some of the issues that will continue to cause economic shocks - such as food resources and climate change.
Our new ministerial team
The changes announced over the weekend show how important these DIUS contributions are to the wider Government effort.
Lord Drayson has joined us as Minister of State for Science and Innovation. His return to Government is excellent news for us and shows how the Prime Minister places us at the heart of the agenda to help business and individuals through these tough times. Lord Drayson will also be attending Cabinet, underlining the importance of the DIUS agenda and providing us with extra influence.
Lord Drayson and I are also members of the Prime Minister's new National Economic Council.
David Lammy's promotion demonstrates how much progress we have made on getting recognition of skills as central to the country's development. He will now be Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property.
I am also delighted to welcome to the ministerial team Siôn Simon and Lord Tony Young. Siôn will be Minister for Further Education and Tony will lead on engaging employers and learners in our skills agenda, particularly Train to Gain and apprenticeships.
Full details of the portfolios will be finalised and publicised on our website later this week.
I look forward to continuing to work with you, along with my new ministerial team, to drive forward the crucial agenda of talent and innovation."
