RGuide Organisation Details

RGuide Organisation Info
Name:	Berkshire Learning and Skills Council
Address:	Pacific House Imperial Way Reading Berkshire RG2 0TF Click here to view map
Telephone:	help
Fax:
Contact:	Jon Thompson
Email:
Web Address:	http://www.lscberks.gov.uk
Categories:	Funding, Learning

Role

The Berkshire Learning and Skills Council aims to give all local people the best opportunities to be involved in learning, by working closely with partners and employers to promote inclusive learning. It is responsible for the planning and funding of education and training; it will encourage everyone to engage in learning, improve their skills levels and quality of life, resulting in significant improvements for individuals, local communities and employers. The Berkshire Learning and Skills Council will aim to promote equality of opportunity and equity across its work as a champion of learning. Each LSC also has a representative of the European Social Fund (ESF). This is a source of funding for activities to develop employability and human resources. Between 2000 and 2006, the ESF will provide up to 45% of the costs of a project, match funding has to come from other sources.

Accountability

The National Learning and Skills Council is as ?executive, non-departmental public body.? It is governed by a national council (chair, up to 14 council members and chief executive). There are 47 local LSCs - 6 in the South East region.

Board Members

At least 40 per cent of the members have substantial recent business and commercial experience. Each LSC has a representative from SEEDA at a member ?to reinforce the important links between the LSC and the RDAs on integrating skills strategies and planning.? Members are also expected to include people who understand the needs of: local communities, through local authority and voluntary sector experience; employees, through trade union representation; young people; people with special needs and learning difficulties or those with disabilities; adult and community learning; and people who face discrimination.

Regional Links

LSCs work closely with SEEDA, local authorities, learning partnerships, the Connexions Service, the Small Business Service, University for Industry and others.

Senior Executive

Jay Mercer - executive director

History

From April 2001 Learning and Skills Councils have been building on the work of Training and Enterprise Councils.

Staff

Jay Mercer, Executive Director Bill Scott, Quality Manager (Wokingham) Myra Head, Senior Quality Executive Jon Browne, HR & Support Services Manager Graham Cable, ICT Manager Richard Colley, Senior Quality Manager (Windsor & Maidenhead) Jill Goddard, Planning Manager Roger Harris, Quality Manager (Bracknell Forrest) Sue Ormiston, European Social Fund Manager / Partnership Development Manager Jim Douglas, Senior Quality Manager (Slough) Margaret Raff, Senior Quality Manager (West Berkshire) Chris Smith, Director of Corporate Services Nigel Smith, Research Manager Jon Thompson, Access & Inclusion Manager Pauline Turner, Secretariat Manager Janice Wright, Policy Executive Rachel McKeller, Director Operations Anita Lutra-Suri, Director Strategy and Planning Nikki Woolcock, Senior Marketing and Communication Executive. Council Members for Berkshire Anthony Dunnett, Chief Executive, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Anthony Eccleston, Director of Education, Bracknell Forest Borough Council David Lunn