15 December 2008: Skillsmart Retail today announced the head and board members for its National Skills Academy for Retail.
The Sector Skills Council confirmed that Jane Rexworthy has been appointed as head alongside executives from retailers including Marks & Spencer, developers including Grosvenor, training providers and membership organisations.
The academy is due to be operational in April 2009 and will see a nationwide network of retail skill shops offering high quality training for retailers of all sizes.
The board will be chaired for the first year by Jenefer Greenwood of Grosvenor. Other members will include Simon Quin of the Association of Town Centre Management, Martyn Chase of DTZ and president of the British Council of Shopping Centres, Lesley Davies of Marks & Spencer, Amanda Solloway of BMB Clothing, Paul Martland of Land Securities and Ann Cadman of The Source training centre at Meadowhall.
The National Skills Academy for Retail is one of 16 academies set up by the Government to give each sector of the economy a network of high quality skills development centres.
Its aims are to provide recognised qualifications and skills development for both front line employees and management staff—leading the drive for professional rewarding careers and skills development for everyone who works in the sector. It also aims to create a consistent national approach for training and skills in the UK's largest private sector employer.
The NSA for Retail will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Skillsmart Retail, the Government-appointed Sector Skills Council for Retail charged with raising skill levels in the sector.
Jane Rexworthy was appointed as head of the academy after working as project manager since its conception in 2007. She joined the Sector Skills Council as Regional Manager for the South West in 2003 before working as national manager for England until 2007. She also has 20 years of retail experience behind her having previously worked for retailers including H Samuel and Arcadia where she worked in areas including store operations, area and regional training.
Jane Rexworthy said:
“I am delighted to take up the position of Head and excited about continuing the hard work that we have already done in building the foundations of the academy. With such an experienced board and enthusiasm from both retailers and training providers, we are in the best position to make a real impact on skills in the sector.”
Jenefer Greenwood of Grosvenor said:
“It is very rewarding to be part of this project which will help individuals to develop to their full potential. In the retail sector people skills can make a real difference to both the individuals being trained and the sector they serve, especially during the current climate when the companies that will stand out from the pack are those that give excellent customer service.”
Lesley Davies Head of Retail Training at Marks & Spencer said:
“With retail now the UK’s largest private sector employer, it’s more important than ever that as an industry we work together to share our knowledge and ensure the highest possible customer service standards on the High Street. We firmly believe that a UK-wide network of skills shops will be of great benefit to retailers of all sizes, and we’re excited about its potential.”
Simon Quin of the Association of Town Centre Management said:
“Retailing is an immensely important part of the economy and it is my belief that supporting those working in the industry to develop their skills and knowledge will not only provide enhanced job satisfaction but also lead to a better experience for shoppers and produce tangible economic benefits for the UK’s towns, cities and other shopping destinations. That is why I am pleased to be involved in making this possible.”Ann Cadman of The Source training centre at Meadowhall said:
“We at The Source are delighted to be part of the National Skills Academy. We have been established for six years and have worked with Jane and her team to ensure that the academy has a solid foundation, and I look forward to building on this to develop a UK network that we can be really proud of.”
For more information about the National Skills Academy for Retail go to www.nsaforretail.com, call 0207 462 5089 or email contactus@nsaforretail.com