On 15th October, the Government launched the new National Employer Taskforce and announced a new group of Diploma Employer Champions

The new Taskforce is an independent charity that will spear-head a drive to increase education-employer partnerships, giving more young people the opportunity to gain skills and experience for the workplace. It will feature senior business figures including representatives from CBI and the Chamber of Commerce and will be chaired by Bob Wigley, Chairman, Yell Group plc and Anthony Salz, Executive Vice Chairman of NM Rothschild.

The Government also announced a new group of Diploma Employer Champions - high profile industry insiders who encourage and support the long term involvement of employers in the Diploma. The new champions include:

• Brendon Riley, Chief Exec IBM UK
• Chris (Christine) Mayer, Chief Executive of Her Majesty’s Court Service
• James Wates, Wates Construction
• Ren Kapur, Chartered Institute of Marketing and young entrepreneur
• Will Butler Adams, Managing Director of Brompton Bicycles, representing small and medium enterprises

These Champions will work with the Taskforce to generate more work placement opportunities for Diploma learners within their sectors and promote a greater understanding of what this qualification has to offer businesses.