Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the announcement in the Autumn Statement 2022 that Sir Michael Barber would advise her on skills reform, for how long she expects Sir Michael to continue in that role.

Sir Michael Barber has been appointed in a personal capacity to provide private advice to my right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on the implementation of the government’s current skills reform programme.

The Secretary of State and the Chancellor meet with Sir Michael on a monthly basis. The Minister for Skills, Further and Higher Education has also held meetings with Sir Michael.

Officials from the department and HM Treasury meet with Sir Michael on a weekly basis.

Sir Michael will provide ongoing private advice to the Secretary of State and the Chancellor until there is an agreement for the appointment to end. His work in this capacity is unpaid.