Norman Boyland, the newly-appointed chairman of the Sussex Learning and Skills Council, has named the people who will join him in the task of improving workplace training.

Members of the new council will work together to encourage more people to take the opportunity and transform their lives through education and training and give local businesses a say in getting the skilled people they need.

Dr Boyland, who is a director and vice-president of pharmaceuticals giant SmithKline Beecham, said the strong team would help generate new impetus needed towards training and skills acquisition throughout Sussex.

He said: "The council is a powerful voice and will aim to influence people from all walks of life, whether they are individuals or employers, to engage in training and the continuing need to improve skill levels.

"We will also be working with schools and colleges to improve the range and quality of our post-16 education provision.

"We will also include businesses and training providers to improve both on and off the job training.

"There will be a focus on making sure this is relevant to the needs of individuals, businesses and our local economy.

"The council will combine local knowledge and existing partnerships with the strategic clout of a national organisation. It's an extremely positive move towards a new attitude to training and education."

Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett said: "Success in the local economy in job creation and skills for the future depends on us getting this right. We have a one-off opportunity to get investment, delivery of service and guidance right. We must take this forward together."

Joining Dr Boyland on the council as executive director is Henry Ball, principal of Lewes Tertiary College.

Members of the council's board are: Alan Bealby, director of broadband customer service with British Telecom; Alison Atkinson, co-ordinator at the Centre for Professional Development at Brighton University; Ken Bodfish, a member of the board of the South-East England Economic Development Agency; John Brookham, principal of Plumpton College; Richard Bunker, director of education, West Sussex County Council; Maurice Denyer, finance director and company secretary, Fowler Group; Patricia Egan, principal, Pan Aviation Services; Steve Foster, assistant branch secretary, Unison, Brighton and Hove; Robert Fryatt, chairman of the Association of South East Colleges and of Crawley College; Jacky Harding, Brighton and Hove Council; Marie Harris, work-based training manager, Crawley College; James Hicks, chairman and managing director, Amplicon Liveline; Rick Prowen, operations director, JS Humidifiers; Denise Stokoe, director of education, East Sussex County Council.