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Last updated: 22 December 2008
An interim Chair and a Project Director have been appointed to lead the setting up of a new Third Sector Skills Body charged with leading the drive to improve the skills of volunteers and staff.
Dame Mary Marsh is to be the Interim Chair and Janet Fleming the Interim Project Director. Both will take up their roles in early January 2009 for a period of around six months until the new body is operational.
The new, independent, body will identify and address the skills needs of the sector, working closely with the Sector Skills Councils. And it will promote skills opportunities to the sector.
Third Sector organisations play a vital role at the heart of communities and they need people with the right skills to deliver for their beneficiaries and maximise their impact. It is also vital that those who work in the third sector have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to develop successful and rewarding careers. The formation of the new Third Sector Skills Body will be a big step forward in helping to invest in and improve the skills base of the Third Sector workforce including both employed staff and volunteers.
Skills Minister Lord Young said:
“This is an important day for the new Third Sector Skills Body. I am delighted that Dame Mary Marsh and Janet Fleming have agreed to take on this key challenge. It means we have two excellent, highly committed individuals who will now drive forward the establishment of this new body. The new organisation will have a crucial role to play in helping give people working in the Third Sector the chance to build and improve their skills.
Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector said:
“Dame Mary Marsh and Janet Fleming will make a great team to get the skills system working for the third sector. Charities, social enterprises and other third sector organisations have an increasingly important role in our society and need the best skills to succeed. This will be a real boost for them.”
Dame Mary Marsh, Interim Chair of the new 3rd Sector Skills Body said:
“In the challenging times that face us, investment in skills is vital across the third sector as it is elsewhere. I am pleased to be able to support the establishment of this vital opportunity for the third sector to be fully engaged with the development of skills in the current and future workforce”
The Sector Skills Council Skills for Justice have agreed to provide “incubation” support for the new body.
Alan Woods Skills for Justice CEO said:
”The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils warmly welcomes the appointment of Dame Mary Marsh and Janet Fleming as Chair and Project Director of the new third sector skills body. They bring a wealth of experience and credibility which will give real impetus to the set up of the new organisation. I very much look forward to working with them and Skills for Justice will do all we can to make sure that the third sector skills body is up and running quickly, and achieves success.”
Stuart Etherington, CEO of NCVO said:
“I can’t think of anyone better than Mary and Janet to set up this new body. I’m pleased that the ministers are committed to ensuring that it will build on the work of the UK Workforce Hub at NCVO”