The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England. Our mission is to raise participation and attainment through high-quality education and training which puts learners first. Our vision is that, by 2010, young people and adults in England will have the knowledge and productive skills matching the best in the world. With a budget of £8.0 billion (2003-04) the Council operates through 47 local offices and a national office in Coventry. Established in April 2001 our work covers: • Further education • Work-based training and young people • School sixth forms • Workforce development • Adult and community learning • Information, advice and guidance for adults • Education business links. The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for all post-16 education and training other than in universities. The Council has brought together the skills of the Training and Enterprise Councils and the Further Education Funding Council to work with partners, employers, learning providers, community groups and individuals to develop and implement strategies that meet the Government's aims set out in the 'Learning to Succeed' White Paper. It works alongside the Employment Service, the Small Business Service, Connexions, the National Training Organisations, further education and sixth form colleges, and representatives of community groups, to understand, define and then meet training and education needs. The Learning and Skills Council's national office is in Coventry, with 47 local Learning and Skills Councils across England. There are four groups: • Learning • Skills • Resources • Strategy and Communications There are 15 members of the National Council, chaired by Chris Banks, with Chief Executive, Mark Haysom, and representatives of employers, trades unions, learning providers and community groups. The Adult Learning Committee and the Young Peoples Learning Committee are responsible for the specific needs of those two groups of learners. Each of the 47 local Learning and Skills Councils also has representatives from employers, learning providers and community groups working to provide local solutions to local needs. For more information, please visit www.lsc.gov.uk