A BODY responsible for funding and planning education and training for the over-16s in Kent has a new face at the top.

Professor David Melville CBE, current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, is the new chairman of The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for Kent.

He takes over from Allan Chisholm, who has stood down after five years in the role.

Prof Melville said: “The LSC plays an essential part, in partnership with others, in ensuring wide access to high quality education and training.

“I look forward to supporting the development of improved partnership working with Kent County Council and Medway Council as well as the colleges, schools and private training providers who rely on our funding and support.”

Professor Melville was a member of the Foster Review on the future of Further Education Colleges and sits on the Government’s 14-19 diploma external advisory group. He was made a CBE for services to education in 2001.

He was previously a member of the Tomlinson Review of 14-19 education and qualifications, Chief Executive of the former Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) and a member of the Foundation Degree Task Force.