Bury Council Chief Executive appointed to national role for the Learning and Skills Council

Date published: 28 January 2009

Mark Sanders, Chief Executive of Bury Council, has been appointed to the National Council of the Learning and Skills Council.

Mark Sanders was appointed to this voluntary position in April 2008 and he started this new role on 1 January 2009.

The National Council is comprised of members from both the public and private sector and forms the top tier of decision making for the Learning and Skills Council. It steers strategy, monitors performance and provides leadership to the Learning and Skills Council as a whole. The LSC is responcible for funding all of the nations skills and training, with a budget of over £13m. The National Council is accountable to both Parliament and the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills, and the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

Mark Sanders’ particular role on the National Council will focus on the work the LSC can do to support young people aged 14 to 19 and will cover issues such as Sixth Form Education, the new diploma system and the transition from school to work.

Mark Sanders, Chief Executive of Bury Council, said: “One of the key projects I will be working on will focus on how LSC funds can be transferred to Local Authorities by 2010 and then managed in a way which provides opportunities for individuals to learn new skills or receive training. This will be a challenging role and I hope that I can bring a valuable insight from a local authority perspective to the project”.