Cogent SSC, the national council for skills in the chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaine Chisholm Caunt as its new Stakeholder Relationship Director.  Jaine will join Cogent to manage its relationship with key stakeholders and the associated funding and activities surrounding its Sector Skills Agreement (SSA).

Jaine joins Cogent with a wealth of experience in skills policy and Basic Skills, and in the development of employer skills strategies. She comes from Skillfast-UK where she was Head of Policy, with the responsibility for leading on the development of the Council’s Sector Skills Agreement.

Previously Jaine was Director of Operations for the Workplace Basic Skills Network an organisation which works with basic skills teachers across the UK offering training, professional development and advice. Jaine delivered and co-wrote The Network’s Breaking Down Barriers course, the first accredited course in workplace basic skills training in the UK.

Jaine has an experienced track record in developing strategic relationships and an in-depth understanding of current UK government and Devolved Administration policy and agenda.

Commenting on Jaine’s appointment, Cogent CEO Joanna Woolf, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Jaine to Cogent. She brings a wealth of experience in developing strategic relationships with a range of government, regulatory and education stakeholders across the UK as well as invaluable experience working within the education and training sector.

“Jaine will work to ensure that we have skills plans in place for each region and devolved administration and work with our stakeholders in relation to our Sector Skills Agreement.”

Jaine Chisholm Caunt said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Cogent on the further development of its Sector Skills Agreement, to ensure that employer skills priorities are developed fully in regional skills action plans and funded projects. I look forward to meeting many of Cogent’s employers over the coming months.”

Jaine has a Degree in Politics and English from York University, and a P.G.C.E in Further Education from the University of Greenwich. She is a trustee or member of a wide variety of organisations and committees including, Kendal Citizens Advice Bureau and as an LEA governor at Kirkbie Kendal school. Jaine was also previously a member of the Institute of Directors and the DfES Workforce Development (teacher training) Advisory group, and co-authored a textbook on basic skills in the workplace in 2001.She is a Registered Practitioner with the Higher Education Academy, which represents a recognised teaching qualification for Higher Education.