Regarding your report (“LSC chooses former tabloid chief from depleted field of contenders”, FE Focus, August 8), Mark Haysom’s appointment is indicative of the Learning and Skills Council’s move into a new phase from set up to delivery. Mark (pictured right) will provide fresh impetus to the organisation and will spearhead our drive to reform the learning and skills agenda. No doubt there will be concerns about his lack of experience “in the sector” but he has gone through a rigorous selection process and been judged, both on his talents and abilities and his considerable experience, to be the best and right man for the job.

He will be central to driving through bold and fundamental change to delivery structures, building on the new strategic area reviews and 14-19 area reviews.

We should all support Mark as he plays a key role, working in partnership with the post-16 learning and skills organisations, in establishing the LSC’s leading role in transforming the performance, quality and responsiveness of funding and delivery, of post-16 education and the skills strategy.

Ian Ferguson Chairman, Data Connection Ltd and a member of the LSC young people’s learning committee