'Norman' conquest of Sussex council

Dr Norman Boyland, former chairman of Sussex Enterprise and vice-president of pharmaceuticals giant SmithKline Beecham, has been appointed chairman of the newly-created council.

Dr Boyland is one of six chairs across the South East announced by Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett.

The Learning and Skills Councils, which will come into effect from April next year, are part of the reforms affecting post-16 learning announced by the Government last year.

They will be responsible for the planning and funding of all school sixth forms, colleges and training up to higher education.

They will replace the work of the Further Education Funding Council in Sussex and take over the commissioning of young people's Government-funded work-based training from Sussex Enterprise.

The Learning and Skills Council for Sussex is expected to be based in Brighton and will have a budget in the region of £100 million.

Business people will have the chance to influence the way the money is spent.

Each LSC will have an average of 85 staff led by an executive director.

The executive council, which Dr Boyland will chair in Sussex, will have between ten and 14 members.

Ken Caldwell, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said: "The new body will have a key role in shaping skills supply in Sussex.

"With 30 years' experience in the pharmaceuticals industry and a widespread knowledge of the local business community, I know Norman will bring to the task a keen appreciation of the issues facing local companies."

Dr Boyland, who lives in West Chiltington, said the new councils will be able to adapt to local needs rather than follow a national policy.

He said: "The business environment is rapidly changing and a lot of new skills are needed by employers.

"From next year they will be able to look to the Sussex Learning and Skills Council to provide the right training to suit the needs of business."

Dr Boyland said the council will be up and running by March.