The Board of Management of the Basic Skills Agency (the ‘Agency’) is undertaking a review of the future focus, priorities and funding of the Agency. As part of this review, the Board is exploring a number of options.

Alan Wells, the Director of the Agency, has accepted voluntary redundancy. In order to allow the review to be concluded speedily, Alan is leaving his post at the Agency with immediate effect.

The Agency is unique in both its independence and responsibility for the total age range. It also operates for the Welsh Assembly Government and Alan has always been an excellent ambassador for its work.

The Board of Management wish to record their thanks and appreciation for Alan’s substantial contribution to improving standards of basic skills and to the success of the Agency since he joined our predecessor body almost 30 years ago. Countless teachers, lecturers, employers and others have good reason to appreciate Alan’s work over this time.

All enquiries relating to this statement should be addressed to the Chairman of the Agency, Garry Hawkes, whose contact email address is garryh@basic-skills.co.uk