Press release -
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (National): Statement on the Student Loans Company (SLC)
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills today confirmed that John Goodfellow, the Chair of the Student Loans Company is standing down, and Ralph Seymour-Jackson, the Company’s Chief Executive, has resigned.
Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said:
“Last year’s crisis in the Student Loans Company caused real upset for students and their families, many of whom lost confidence in the system. We must avoid a repetition of the problems.
“I believe a new Chair and Chief Executive will provide the fresh leadership needed to deliver the remaining changes necessary for an improved service to customers this summer.”
The Minister of State for Universities and Science, David Willetts, said:
"Last year the service fell short of what students and their parents had every right to expect. While improvements have been put in place since last year, we are not out of the woods yet.
“Having read the latest report on the SLC by PricewaterhouseCoopers, it is clear that urgent changes to the leadership are needed to ensure students get the service they deserve.
“We have appointed Professor Sir Deian Hopkin as interim Chair and the Board is finalising the appointment of an interim Chief Executive. Their experience will strengthen the Company and help restore confidence in the system for students and their parents and help keep this year’s service on track.
“I am grateful to both Mr Goodfellow and Mr Seymour-Jackson for their public service over many years. And I am sure the SLC’s staff will continue to provide the very best service for families.”
Students and their parents should continue to make applications for student support to the Company in the usual way.
Notes to editors
1 A copy of the PwC report can be found at
http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/corporate/docs/s/10-997-slc-health-check-review
2. Biography - Professor Sir Deian Hopkin
Professor Sir Deian Hopkin retired in 2009 as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of London South Bank University following a career in higher education extending over 40 years. Most recently he has been interim Vice Chancellor of the University of East London and during the autumn of 2009 conducted a review of the Student Loans Company’s performance during the 2009/10 cycle. He has been active in the skills agenda, as HE Champion of the 14-19 Diplomas and of the Apprenticeships programme and Chair of UniversitiesUK’s Skills Task Group. He was a member of the Learning and Skills Council, a governor of two Further Education Colleges and is currently a trustee or patron of a number of organisations, including the Campaign for Learning, Foundation Degree Forward and the Summer University.
3. For further information, please contact the BIS press office on 020 7215 5982.
Contacts
NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the above department
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Topics
- Government
Categories
- student loans company
- department for business innovation and skills (national)