Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Urge subsequent Education Committees to continue annual accountability sessions for Skills England.
Conclusion
As an Executive Agency, Skills England is accountable to the Department for Education and therefore answerable to Parliament through this Committee. We will hold Skills England to account through annual accountability sessions and urge subsequent Education Committees to continue this practice. (Recommendation, Paragraph 18)
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's interest and details the existing accountability mechanisms for Executive Agencies, including ministerial and accounting officer accountability, and confirms continued support for the Chair and Vice Chair meeting with the Education Committee.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
ACCEPT We welcome the Committee’s interest in the important work of Skills England. The arrangements for the accountability of Executive Agencies to Parliament are set out in Cabinet Office guidance. The sponsoring minister is ultimately accountable to Parliament on all matters concerning Skills England. Following the machinery of Government change announced by the Prime Minister on 16 September 2025, ministerial responsibility for Skills England now sits with the Department for Work and Pensions. The principal accounting officer, alongside Skills England’s Chief Executive as accounting officer for Skills England, are also directly accountable to Parliament for overall stewardship of agency resources. While not having formal accountability to Parliament, the Chair and Vice Chair of Skills England have both previously accepted invitations to meet with the Education Select Committee and we will continue to support this approach. In line with Cabinet Office requirements, Skills England’s annual reports and accounts will be laid in Parliament. In combination with the publication of its skills reports, this will provide clear sight for Parliament on the activity and impact of Skills England.