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CEL and QIA staff have been working together for the past six months, and LSIS will continue to provide existing CEL and QIA programmes and activities, and honour existing contracts, until the end of July 2009.

Roger McClure , chief executive of LSIS, said, "Bringing CEL and QIA together is a key part of the government’s learning and skills strategy. The creation of LSIS marks the beginning of a new and important era in which a self-regulated community of colleges and providers will be entrusted to offer excellent – and continually improving – learning and skills provision to the nation, raising the skills and prosperity of its people.

"We look forward to working with providers and stakeholders to develop outstanding and sustainable FE and skills provision in all parts of the sector."

LSIS will continue to deliver existing CEL and QIA programmes and services until July 2009, and for the time being, programme information and booking forms will remain on the CEL and QIA websites: www.centreforexcellence.org.uk and www.qia.org.uk

Corporate news and information about LSIS may be found on its interim-branded website at www.lsis.org.uk.

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) came into operation on 1 October 2008. Combining the best aspects of two different and highly successful sector bodies – the Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL) and the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) – LSIS will focus on learners and on developing excellent and sustainable further education and skills provision across the sector. Leadership development will underpin and form an important part of the organisation’s strategic role in the sector.

LSIS was established after consultations with sector leaders identified a strong desire for an organisation that would be sector-led. As a sector-owned public body, LSIS will be owned, directed and governed by FE and skills colleges and providers, and will be dedicated to supporting excellence, leadership development and self-regulation in the FE sector.

LSIS will be consulting with the sector during autumn 2008 and spring 2009 about its priorities and remit. While this is taking place, the activities and services of CEL and QIA will continue under joint branding; more information about their successful range of activities is available on their respective websites.

Lindsay Baugh :        07736 246 697 or 01707 392 552

Email:            lindsay.baugh@howardsgate.co.uk

Telephone:    0870 162 0632

London office:

Fourth Floor,

London

EC3R 7QQ

Telephone:    0870 060 3278

Website:         www.lsis.org.uk