The government recognises that skills are crucial in driving
long-term economic growth and is 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 Learning Entitlement from 2025.
To help maximise the impact of these commitments, Sir Michael
Barber was first appointed to advise the Chancellor of the
Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education on the
implementation of current reforms in November 2022 for a term of
six months.
Given the continued importance of the skills agenda and the need
to maximise its impact, the Chancellor and Secretary of
State have decided to extend Sir Michael’s role for a second term
until December 16 2023, to build on the work to date.
Sir Michael Barber will not be renumerated for this position.
Further information
Sir Michael Barber is a global expert on implementation of
large-scale system change, education systems and education
reform.
He has served in a number of roles within Government, including
as Chief Advisor to the Secretary of State for Education on
Schools Standards (1997-2001), Head of the Prime Minister’s
Delivery Unit (2001-2005), Chair of the Office for Students
(2018-2021) and led a review of Number 10 Delivery Unit in 2021.
Outside of Government, he has been a partner at McKinsey and head
of their Global Education Practice, and Chief Education Advisor
at Pearson. He is also founder and chairman of Delivery
Associates, a global advisory firm focussed on working with
governments and other social impact organisations.
