Local LSC development

With all local chairs now in place, announcements are expected in early September of appointment to the 47 posts of local LSC Executive Directors.

To work alongside the local Directors, regional implementation teams are being established in all Government Offices to ensure that "dual running" of TECs and local LSCs can start as early as possible. The teams have been tasked with the following main roles initially:

Logistical support to the initially appointed staff - ensuring premises are being prepared, staff recruited and infrastructure requirements are being met;

Putting in place the arrangements to re-contract Work Based Learning for Young People.

Regional teams are expected to be operational only until December 31st by which time all local offices should be sufficiently staffed with local implementation teams in place.

Beyond these early functions, there will be no other regional structure for LSCs.

National LSC developments

John Harwood (Chief Executive) and Bryan Sanderson (Chair) have established an interim management group for the LSC staffed with 'shadow' and designate directors. Its early tasks are to develop a branding for the LSC, its vision and aims and to construct an internal communication strategy to ensure that the initially appointed Directors at national and local level have a shared understanding of tasks and timescales.

Director of Basic Skills Unit appointed

Susan Pember - currently Principal of Canterbury College - has been appointed Director of the new Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit. The strategy unit will become operational in the autumn, at about the time the Government plans to launch its national strategy on basic skills. Following this year’s Budget, the Government announced a further £20¼ million to be spent on a range of measures to improve the teaching and learning of adult basic skills, and on extending family literacy and numeracy.