Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
6th Report - Further Education and Skills
Education Committee
HC 666
Published 23 September 2025
Recommendations
5
Deferred
Review and regrade Skills England Chief Executive Officer status by June 2026 for greater seniority.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education reviews the status of Skills England’s Chief Executive Officers in June 2026—twelve months after Skills England became fully operational—to ensure they have been given the right level of seniority and that they have …
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Government Response Summary
The government defers the specific review of CEO seniority, stating it will be considered as part of a broader, already planned review of Skills England within 18-24 months of its establishment.
Department for Education
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10
Deferred
Utilise trailblazer model to pilot comprehensive skills devolution programme and report findings.
Recommendation
The Government should consider utilising the trailblazer model to pilot a more comprehensive skills devolution programme and report back to the Committee. (Recommendation, Paragraph 43)
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is under review and reiterates its ambition for devolved powers, noting its commitment to continue piloting arrangements with Established Mayoral Authorities to inform further devolution frameworks, citing the devolution of Construction Skills Package funding as an example.
Department for Education
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67
Deferred
Increase adult education and skills funding to meet demand and align with national missions
Recommendation
Funding for adult education and skills must increase to meet demand and to ensure that those over the age of 19 are able to participate in, and benefit from, the Government’s national missions. The Government must assess demand for adult …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is 'UNDER REVIEW,' deferring to Skills England to provide data and analysis to inform future funding decisions, while clarifying that major funding decisions remain with government ministers.
Department for Education
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Conclusions (1)
4
Conclusion
Deferred
We have heard serious concerns that the role of Chief Executive Officer at Skills England is too junior within the civil service hierarchy. The director- level status given to the holders of that position may limit their ability to influence those working across Government and undermine the authority they need …
Government Response Summary
The government states that the effectiveness of Skills England's leadership structure will be considered as part of a broader review of the agency, which was previously committed to within 18-24 months of its establishment.