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Update on Machinery of Government – Skills
20 November 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
At a Glance
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.
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