LONDON.- Laura Gander-Howe, formerly Director of Lifelong Learning and Skills for the Learning and Skills Council, has been appointed Director, Learning and Skills Strategy at Arts Council England.

With a keen interest in staff development, and having introduced and developed mentoring and coaching models, Laura has recently qualified as an Executive Coach. As a senior executive within the public and education sector, she has established a range of successful strategic relationships with employers, providers, local authorities and Government bodies such as The Inspectorate, QCA, DfES and the London Development Agency.

Laura’s key achievements include leading the development of 14-19 partnerships across London East, developing and implementing a Quality Improvement Strategy, and ensuring the strategic procurement of learning and skills programmes to satisfy demand for knowledge and skills in line with the economy of the London East region.

Laura Gander-Howe said: “As one of the fastest growing sectors, continued success of the Cultural Industries is reliant on a highly trained workforce. Arts Council England has a pivotal role to play in harnessing the potential of the Arts to transform and engage through learning. We need to work with partners to align strategy, initiatives and resources to maximum effect.”

Gus Casely-Hayford, Executive Director, Arts Strategy, Arts Council England said:

“Laura joins Arts Council England at a fascinating time. Her knowledge and skills will prove invaluable in strengthening strategic alliances, learning and resource-sharing. We welcome her warmly to the team.”

Laura is based at Arts Council England’s national office in London and leads the Arts Council’s teams of Learning and Skills Strategy specialists based across the country.