OREANDA-NEWS. February 22, 2016. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has appointed Ian Kinder as its new Chief Executive. Ian will commence his role on 1 March 2016, taking over from departing CEO Michael Davis who has been in post since 2011.

Ian will lead the organisation in dealing with the implications of the decision by Whitehall Departments to withdraw funding from the Commission during 16/17, working with Commissioners, government, staff and stakeholders.

Ian has worked in the skills and employment field for over 25 years. Currently Executive Director of UKCES, he has held a number of senior positions during his career, working across the education, skills and business departments in Whitehall and regional departments in the North of England. He was a Director at the Learning & Skills Council in Lancashire where he was responsible for post 16 Further Education funding and delivery. Ian has also led work on enterprise and small business policy, and in regional and national skills policy roles including developing the Investors in People Standard.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of UKCES and Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership commented on Ian’s appointment:

I am delighted that Ian agreed to take on the role of Chief Executive and lead the organisation during what will undoubtedly be a challenging few months, working with Commissioners, government, staff and stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the legacy of the work of UKCES. His experience of public service inside and out of government makes him ideally suited to lead UKCES at this time.

Ian Kinder commented:

Michael can be incredibly proud of the leadership he has given the Commission since joining in 2009 and then as CEO from 2011, but it is now vital that the impact of the Commission’s work and its legacy, are protected for the future. I am looking forward to working with colleagues both within the organisation and further afield to do just that.

Michael Davis, departing CEO of UKCES added:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of working with Commissioners, UKCES colleagues and the sheer breadth of external stakeholders that I have come to know over the last 6 years. I have been fortunate enough to work with people who really do care passionately about securing better outcomes for how people get in and on in work and how employers develop the skills they need for their success.