Chief Executive David Hughes joins London Recovery Board

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan announced the London Recovery Board on 22 May. It is to be co-chaired by the Mayor and Mayor and the chair of London Councils, Peter John and will remain in place until the end of 2020. It’s aim is to co-ordinate London’s response to trends, issues and risks as London emerges from lockdown and begins to reopen its economy while controlling the virus. The Board will plan and oversee the capital’s wider economic and social long-term recovery. The inaugural meeting of the Recovery Board took place on Thursday 4 June, to agree jointly the overall vision and objectives for the capital’s recovery and engaging with Londoners on issues such as healthcare, education, the economy and the environment. AoC’s Chief Executive, David Hughes was joined by local council leaders, race and faith groups, NHS and TfL representatives and other education leaders to begin mapping the challenges and potential opportunities. With an estimated 1.1 million workers at further risk of unemployment and many young people needing an education or training place, David will be making the case for young people, adults and colleges as the real impact of COVID19 hits. Representing the further education sector, he will continue to advocate for effective responses to support people, communities and employers through the recovery period. Speaking after the meeting, he said: “I am delighted to be able to join the London Recovery Board. Colleges are going to be central to the recovery of London to get young people learning and training again and giving adults facing redundancy access to upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Colleges do not work in isolation, nowhere is this more evident than in London, we need to work with employers, local authorities, LEPs, schools and universities and public transport providers to ensure we find the right solutions. London’s learners need access to the skills that will be crucial for the economy, I look forward to working with Board members, the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State to make this happen.” You can find out more about the London Recovery Board here.