Tom Stannard appointed NIACE communications director

The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) charity has appointed local government veteran Tom Stannard as director of communications and public affairs.

Stannard was previously director of policy and communications at Blackburn with Darwen Council, which was hailed as ‘Council of the Year’ in 2011.

He said: “I am delighted to have been offered this significant national role with NIACE.  The opportunity to work with the new NIACE Board, its staff and supporters was too good to resist.  NIACE’s mission is central to tackling disadvantage, and to securing sustainable, equitable growth for the UK economy.  I am very excited about playing a central role in delivering that vision.

“As new director my vision will be to strengthen and diversify our partnerships, further improve our reputation and brand, and to clearly demonstrate the tremendous impact NIACE’s work has on the lives, well-being and economic prosperity of people across the UK.”

Stannard joins his new national role on 20 May, when the NIACE launches Adult Learners’ Week 2013, the UK-wide celebration of learning, emulated and supported in 55 nations across the world.

Natalie Thornhill