The Group Chief Executive of WH Smith, Richard Handover, is to be the new Chair of the Adult Learning Inspectorate. The Inspectorate oversees the quality of education and training offered to adults, including post-19 provision in FE colleges, work based training for all age groups, New Deal, adult and community learning and UfI learndirect provision. The appointment emphasises the drive to involve experienced business people in training provision. The appointment will be for an initial term of four years.

Lifelong Learning and Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge commented: "Richard has a passion for lifelong learning, particularly for the more disadvantaged. His business skills and experience will prove invaluable to the Inspectorate as it continues to contribute to raising standards in adult and work-based learning, and establishes itself in key new areas of activity, including the inspection of adult and community learning and UfI learndirect provision."

David Sherlock, Chief Inspector of the Adult Learning Inspectorate said: "We are delighted that Richard Handover has been appointed. The Adult Learning Inspectorate's core responsibility is training for employment, so it is of vital importance that our chair is a senior business figure. He will be a worthy successor to Nick Reilly, the outgoing chair, and we look forward to working with him."

Richard Handover said: "I firmly believe that the opportunity to learn should not end when one leaves full time education. I am delighted to be taking on this new role and I look forward to working with David Sherlock, Chief Inspector of the Adult Learning Inspectorate and his team to address the challenges which lie ahead."

Richard Handover is Group Chief Executive of WH Smith PLC following his appointment to this position in October 1997. Mr Handover joined WH Smith in 1964 and managed a number of the Group’s businesses including Our Price and WH Smith News. He was appointed to the Board of WH Smith PLC in 1995. In early 1999, he joined Business in the Community’s “Education Leadership Team” and took over the chair in October 1999. In May 2000 he became a non-executive Director of Nationwide Building Society.