Solihull’s Employment and Skills Board (SESB) is seeking to appoint a new Chair following the news that Paul Thandi CBE, DL, former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the NEC Group, is stepping down after a decade of service.
The Board is seeking to appoint a new Chair who is equally passionate about shaping employment and skills policies and action across the borough.
Solihull Council works closely with public sector partners, businesses, the voluntary sector and communities to improve the lives of residents. SESB plays a key role in shaping the employment and skills support on offer to local businesses and the community and the new Chair will lead the Board while acting as the voice of employers to navigate new business challenges and policy changes.
Paul Thandi reflecting on his time with the Board and commented: “It has been a great honour to have worked with so many incredible leaders from the public, private and voluntary sectors over the years. The Board has always been inclusive of voices from across the borough to help ensure our people have the skills to secure jobs anywhere in the region. I am proud of what we have accomplished, from shaping the partnership model to navigating the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19. I look forward to passing the baton on and am hopeful it will be steered to even greater success."
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: “I would like to thank Paul for his massive contribution and commitment as the Chair and founding member of the Board. We have worked together to navigate our way through various challenges and changes over the past decade. Paul’s leadership and insights have been invaluable, enhancing our support for both businesses and residents through collaboration among Board members.
“While I am sad that Paul is leaving the Board, I am hopeful his successor will lead the Board and continue the excellent work, bringing new perspectives and innovation. I want to encourage local employers keen to make a difference to employment and skills priorities in Solihull to share what you can bring to the Board and apply to become our new Chair to lead SESB.”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for Skills and Employment Support, said: “I would like to thank Paul for his leadership. His skills at creating collaboration with local business leaders have been pivotal in shaping our employment and skills support. Our solid relationship with businesses has enabled us to develop the future workforce and contribute to economic growth. We want to ensure our residents who are furthest from the labour market have access to support for training or work. The Board has been an enabler for schools and the voluntary sector to connect with businesses and foster a meaningful collaboration. If you are leading a local business and passionate about empowering local residents with the skills that you or other employers in the borough need, please express an interest in the role of Chair.”
This is a voluntary role
If you would like to find out more about the role or express your interest, please refer to the webpage.