Sector Response to Eileen Milner’s appointment as new ESFA Chief Executive

Eileen Milner has been announced as the new ESFA Chief Executive from November 2017. Eileen will replace Peter Lauener, the current Chief Executive Officer of the ESFA, who has held the post since 1 April 2017 and in predecessor organisations since April 2010. Peter Lauener will step down at the end of November 2017.

Eileen Milner is currently the Executive Director of Customer and Corporate Service at the Care Quality Commission. So what does the FE Sector think of Eileen’s announcement as the new Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency? 

The Sector Response: 

Mark Dawe, Chief Executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) comments:

“It’s great that Ms Milner is bringing with her a mix of public and private sector experience which should stand her in good stead in the light of the levy and employer led reforms.  Her understanding of the need to maintain quality in the face of increased competition in the delivery of public services is also a big plus.  AELP wishes her every success in her new post.”

Kirsti Lord, Deputy Chief Executive (Member Services) of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said:

“Congratulations to Eileen Milner on her appointment as Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency.  She will bring a wealth of experience from the Care Quality Commission and will be able to use this in the education sector.  AoC is looking forward to continuing the strong working relationship with ESFA.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the Learning and Work Institute comments on the announcement: 

“I warmly congratulate Eileen Milner on her appointment as Chief Executive of the ESFA. It’s a great job at an important time. Our future prosperity depends on us meeting our long-term skills needs, and fairness and social mobility demand fair access to learning for all. The ESFA has a crucial role to play in making this happen, with big reforms going on across learning and skills sector to successfully deliver.

“I’m sure Eileen will want to take a collaborative approach, getting out and talking to people, employers and providers. We at Learning and Work Institute look forward to working with her and the Agency. Ultimately, the work of the ESFA is part of a collective endeavour that we all want to help succeed. Lastly, I pay tribute to Peter Lauener who has worked tirelessly in public service.”

What do you think?