*Closes 27th September*
Meeting the skills needs of the next decade is central to delivering the Government’s missions across all regions and nations. Skills England will drive this effort forward by bringing together employers, education/training providers and unions with national government and combined authorities to a) develop a single picture of national skills needs, b) identify priority training programmes to receive funding and c) ensure that national and regional skills systems are meeting skills need.
Skills England is currently a ‘shadow’ body that sits within the Department for Education.
Whilst we are currently recruiting to the shadow body, we expect this to body to become a permanent Arm’s Length Body over the next 6-9 months. Once Skills England is established as an ALB, we expect the successful candidate to remain in post for up to 3 years as Skills England transitions from a shadow body to an ALB.
Role description
The Chair will provide leadership at Board level, delivering clear strategic direction, specialist expertise and independent scrutiny to ensure effective arrangements are in place during the transition period (6-9 months) of the shadow Skills England. This includes providing assurance on risk management, governance and internal controls.
The Chair should:
- Work closely with the CEO and Board in setting objectives for the organisation and provide strategic direction of Skills England
- Build effective relationships and engage with skills bodies across the country
- Support effective decision making
- Lead the Board to operate within its statutory authority and judicious use of public funds and deliver high standards of corporate governance
- Promote and protect the shadow Skills England’s position, values, mission, vision, integrity, image and reputation.
- Represent the shadow Skills England and its Board both internally and externally
- Ensure the work of the Board and its members is regularly reviewed and appraised and that they are working effectively, continuously striving to improve the performance of the Board.
Organisation description
Time commitment x 20 day(s) per annum
Remuneration £25000 per annum
Length of term Up to three years
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Strategic and independent thinking with a commitment to exercising impartial and independent judgement, drawing sound conclusions from weighing up evidence
- Exceptional communication skills to support the ability to build effective relationships at senior level and/or between organisations
- The ability to drive forward the work of an organisation at non-executive level, with a successful track record in the public, voluntary or private sectors
- Experience and knowledge that will contribute to the shadow Skills England.
Desirable criteria
a. Skills Expert including expertise of migration (able to provide strategic view)
b. Academia and think tanks
c. Business and employment, including SMEs and trade unions
d. Local authority / mayoral combined authority
How to apply
In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.
Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ (Skills England Chair) and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- a supporting statement
- equality information
- information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.
You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.
