Sir Geoff Hall appointed interim CEO of FE Guild

Former New College Nottingham principal Sir Geoff Hall has been appointed to the helm of the newly-created FE Guild until a permanent chief executive is found.

Sir Geoff, who was knighted for services to FE in the New Year Honours 2012, is also chair of the Information Authority, which sets data standards and governs data collection for the sector.

He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed interim chief executive of the new Guild. I have a strong belief that professional learning across the sector is key to our future success, and am keen to harness the talents of the sector itself.

“My priorities in these important early months for the new Guild are to maintain the momentum generated by the steering group and project team, keep the sector fully involved in shaping the Guild and ensure we build on successful programmes developed by LSIS.”

David Hughes, chief executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and independent chair of the steering group appointed to develop the new organisation, said: “This announcement signals an important milestone for the Guild. I am personally very pleased to have Sir Geoff on board because I know that he will bring enormous experience and understanding of the issues we want to address.

“He will be a great asset as we move forward to deliver to the ambitions we all share for professional staff and organisations delivering great learning, and I look forward to working with him.”

Natalie Thornhill