September 18, 2023
Following on from the Secretary of State for Education formally approving and the subsequent publication of the Essex Chambers of Commerce Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Essex report, we are pleased to announce that Joanne Giles has joined the team as LSIP Project Director. Joanne will be working alongside the Executive Director Andy Sparks to implement phase 2 of the LSIP project.
Joanne brings to the Chambers 25 years of experience working within the skills sector, in both the private and public sectors, alongside extensive experience of employer engagement and partnership working. Having worked at Executive Board Level she brings valuable insight into the skills sector that will support the project’s success.
Joanne commented:
“I am so excited to join the Essex Chambers of Commerce. As a 1st generation Essex born daughter of an ‘East End’ family who came to live in Basildon in the 1950’s, I am only too aware I have benefited from a strong education and solid employment opportunities within Essex. My children have benefited from a strong education and have gone on to start their careers with Essex employers.
It is vital that we work collaboratively to ensure that everyone within Essex has the same opportunities, and that through collaboration we continue to create routes to sustainable and skilled employment vital for our economic prosperity.”
Essex LSIP Executive Director, Andy Sparks said:
“What a fantastic asset to the team Jo will be and bringing with her a wealth of knowledge from the FE & skills sector. We welcome her to the Chamber and I look forward to working with her on the second stage of the Essex LSIP project.”
Work will now begin to implement our proposed initiatives as laid out in the LSIP report as we aim to make the skills landscape easier to navigate for all.