Sir David Bell
Biography
Sir David Bell was the Vice Chair of Skills England from February 2025 to August 2026.
Sir David has 40 years’ experience in the education and skills sector and is currently Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland. He has also served in central government as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education from 2006 to 2011 and Chief Inspector of Schools in England between 2002 and 2005. Prior to that, he held senior roles in schools and local government.
Sir David also brings significant non-executive experience, in particular in the North East and Yorkshire, and a wider understanding of the skills needs and skills shortages in these areas of the country as well as elsewhere.
Previous roles in government
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Vice Chair