The new Skills Funding Agency director of apprenticeships and delivery service has taken up her post.
Former McDonalds UK education boss Sue Husband started in her new role on Tuesday (May 12), with FE Week having exclusively revealed the move three months ago.
Her agency duties include providing expert advice and support to Local Enterprise Partnerships, and other local partners, on the funding and skills elements of local growth plans; and encouraging colleges and providers to deliver more good quality apprenticeships and traineeships, and intervening in cases of failure or high risk.
She will also aim to help the delivery of high quality national careers and apprenticeship vacancy services.
She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the organisation and I’m looking forward to meeting the team and getting to work.
“I want to support the ambitious reform agenda and work with the sector to continue to raise the profile of apprenticeships and traineeships while also promoting the benefits of these training opportunities and the success it can bring to individuals.”
Ms Husband was in charge of training at McDonald’s when its apprenticeship scheme received a grade two rating from Ofsted, in November 2010, following the company’s only inspection to date.
Barbara Spicer, interim chief executive of the agency said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Sue. Her wealth of private sector knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset to us, ensuring that quality and reform is driven forward in the sector.”
Meanwhile, Lincoln College Group has appointed a new chief executive. Gary Headland will take over from current principal and chief executive John Allen, who will retire in July after 14 years in the post. It is understood the principal’s post will be reviewed by Mr Headland.
Mr Allen said: “I’ve enjoyed many happy years at the college and have been lucky enough to oversee some major developments. I would like to thank the college staff and students for their support and hard work over the last 14 years and wish Gary every success in his future role.”
Mr Headland said: “I will build upon the excellent work that has already been started and combine my deep public service experience and motivation with the strong commercial acumen that I have gained during my time in the private sector to deliver innovative and highly collaborative ways of providing top-quality education and training.”
Main pic from left: Sue Husband, Gary Headland and John Allen
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