National Council Members Appointments to the Learning and Skills Council for England (LSC)

The Rt Hon John Denham MP, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, invites applications for appointments to the National Council of the LSC.

The LSC is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality post-16 education and training (excluding higher education). It invests in and works with the Further Education system, including colleges, schools and other providers of training, and employers. Its vision is that young people and adults in England have knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. The LSC works nationally, regionally and locally to deliver this ambition on behalf of learners, employers and communities.

The Government will shortly be consulting on the funding for 16 - 19 year old learners and on the delivery of learning and skills for adults. The outcome of the consultation is expected to lead to changes for the LSC from the autumn of 2010. Until then, the LSC has a huge job to do, investing over £36bn for the benefit of learners and employers.

As a member of the National Council, you can help to shape and deliver a world class learning and skills system for England make a real and positive difference to the lives of over 5 million learners over the age of 16 and to thousands of businesses across England. You will also play a lead role in the transition to the new delivery system.

National Council members

Applications are invited from people with senior national-level experience in a wide range of fields, but especially from: people with current or recent business experience; people who have demonstrated leadership and management in Further Education; a local authority either as a leader or Chief Executive; a learner with current or recent experience of Further Education or someone who can speak on their behalf. Applications are particularly welcome from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minority groups and women.

These posts demand vision, professional excellence, dynamic leadership capability, expertise and experience, combined with a strong commitment to help ensure the delivery of a world class learning and skills system that meets the needs of learners and employers.

As a member of the LSC's National Council, you will work closely with the Chairman, Chris Banks, and the Chief Executive, Mark Haysom, in delivering the LSC's agenda. You will also be an ambassador for learning and skills, and for the LSC itself.

Appointments to the National Council are made by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Members give between 12 -15 days a year, and will be paid a small honorarium of £4k per annum plus travel, subsistence and child care expenses.

If you feel that you have the insight and experience to join us, and would like an information pack and details of how to apply, please e-mail: AppointmentsTeam.FESG@dius.gsi.gov.uk quoting reference 'LSCNCM' or send a postcard bearing your name, address and the reference 'LSCNCM' to Paul Andrew, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, W3A Moorfoot, Sheffield, S1 4PQ.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 10 March 2008. Interviews will take place in London on 14 April 2008.

The department for innovation, universities and skills is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes, taking account of equal oppertunities.