Ellen Thinnesen appointed to lead North East LEP’s Skills Advisory Panel

Education Partnership North East Chief Executive Ellen Thinnesen has been appointed Chair to the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Skills Advisory Panel.

Ellen will lead the Panel, which includes representatives North East LEP, the North East Combined Authority and North of Tyne Combined Authority as well as universities, colleges and local businesses, as it supports the drive to improve skills in the North East workforce.

Beginning her career as a qualified nurse, Ellen has previously held high-profile positions within the education sector in Manchester and the Yorkshire and Humber regions.

In her previous role as Principal and Chief Executive of Sunderland College, her ambitious vision led the college through two highly successful mergers.

She has held numerous board positions in the education and not-for-profit sectors within the North East and beyond, and continues to contribute nationally to influence education policy and reform.

Ellen Thinnesen said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of the Skills Advisory Panel. I look forward to working with the other panel members to continue to support the LEP to ensure we have a thriving skills system which meets the current and future needs of employers and drives the goal of creating more and better jobs for our region.”

Michelle Rainbow, Skills Director at the North East LEP, said: “Improving skills in the North East workforce is fundamental to our economic future, especially now as we adapt to the significant challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Ellen is an inspiring leader who is truly passionate about making a difference and raising aspirations in the North East. We are delighted to welcome her as Chair of the Skills Advisory Panel.”

The work of the Skills Advisory Panel will feed directly into the development and delivery of the North East Local Industrial Strategy.