Adult education body Niace and the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (Cesi) are to become one organisation, it was announced today.

The two bodies, which have been in a strategic alliance since February this year, say they want to be seen as the “go-to thinktank” on the “critical issues” of learning, skills and employment. The merger process is expected to be completed by January 2016.

No decision has yet been made on the future of the employees of the two organisations, or what the merged body will be called.

Dave Simmonds, chief executive of Cesi, said: “Our aim is that next year a new organisation will be born that will champion employment, skills and learning for all - especially for the unemployed and those on low incomes.

“Together we will build a new organisation that has a strong policy voice and high standards of research and will be stronger and more sustainable.”

Maggie Galliers, chair of the Niace board, said the merger would help secure the long-term future of the work of both organisations and provide a powerful voice on lifelong learning, skills and employment.

“Together we believe we can build a reputation as the ‘go-to’ thinktank with national influence in learning, skills and employment,” she said. “This will be supported by practical research, policy development, national events, campaigns and public affairs work.” 

David Hughes (pictured), chief executive of Niace, said the two bodies would spend the next few months speaking to their stakeholders, members and supporters to agree future priorities.

“The outcome will be a new, dynamic organisation which will translate research findings into practical, market-tested policy to help people get the opportunities they need to succeed in work and in life,” he added.