New Chair for Film Industry Training Board for England and Wales
Skills Minister David Lammy has appointed Mr Iain Smith OBE as Chair of the new Film Industrial Training Board (ITB) for England and Wales.
The Film ITB has been set up at the request of the Film Industry and will have the statutory levy powers. Its role is to ensure that the quantity and quality of training are adequate to meet the skill needs of the industry.
Mr Smith is a producer of many noteworthy feature films and has enjoyed a successful international career. In 2005 he was awarded a BAFTA Scotland for outstanding Achievement in Film.
In announcing the appointment, Mr Lammy said:
"I am delighted to welcome Iain as the new Chair of Board. Iain has had a long and extremely successful career as a Film producer but also played an active role in improving the skills of entrants into the industry.
"I am sure Iain will use his experience and influence within the industry to build an effective Board that will play a key role in ensuring that the industry comes together to ensure its training needs are met."
Notes to Editors
The Film Industry Training Board for England and Wales is one of three statutory Industry Training Boards (ITBs). ITBs are statutory bodies set up under the industrial Training Act 1982. Board appointments are made in accordance with the requirements of the Industrial Training Act 1982 and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). Mr Smith, has been appointed for 5 years. The post is a part-time appointment of approximately 12 days per year and is unpaid.
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.