Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the adviser on skills policy delivery, on the implementation of reforms to the skills system since his appointment was announced.

The government has built a new skills system from the ground up as we recognise that skills are crucial in driving long-term economic growth. This governmentis taking forward major reforms set out in the Skills for Jobs White Paper: delivering T Levels, boosting apprenticeships, approving Higher Technical Qualifications, rolling out Skills Bootcamps, and introducing the Lifelong Loan Entitlement from 2025.

Sir Michael Barber was appointed to provide private advice to my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, on the implementation of current skills reform in November 2022 for a term of six months.

The Chancellor and Secretary of State have decided to extend Sir Michael’s role for a second term until 16 December 2023, to build on the work to date.

Sir Michael Barber continues to regularly meet the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor to provide ongoing advice, until there is an agreement for the appointment to end. He also meets with officials from the department, No.10 and His Majesty’s Treasury monthly. His work in this capacity is unpaid and constitutes no more than one day a week.