House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Update on Machinery of Government – Skills
20 November 2025 · Department for Work and Pensions
Proposed by Andrew Western Lab Stretford and Urmston
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Update on the transfer of responsibility for apprenticeships, adult further education, skills training, careers, and Skills England from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions
- The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will now oversee these activities, with Baroness Smith of Malvern as the joint Minister for Skills across both departments
- Accountability to Parliament for resources used in these activities will move from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions following the Main Estimate for 2026/27
Issue summary
This statement provides an update on the transfer of responsibility for apprenticeships, adult further education, skills training, careers, and Skills England from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions.
Action requested
The Minister confirms that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will now be responsible for these activities, with Baroness Smith of Malvern serving as the joint Minister for Skills across both departments. The accountability to Parliament for resources used in support of these activities will transition from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions following the Main Estimate for 2026/27.
Key facts
- Responsibility for apprenticeships, adult further education, skills training, careers, and Skills England has been transferred from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions.
- Baroness Smith of Malvern serves jointly as Minister for Skills across both departments.
- Formal accountability to Parliament will continue through the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education until the Main Estimate for 2026/27 is passed.