Minister of State (Minister for Skills)

The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern

Biography

The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern was appointed Minister of State (Minister for Skills) at the Department for Education on 6 July 2024. This role also became part of the Department for Work and Pensions on 6 September 2025. She was reappointed to both departments on 21 July 2026.

Baroness Smith previously served as:

Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) between 4 March 2025 and 21 July 2026
Government Spokesperson for Equalities between 8 October 2024 and 4 March 2025

Minister of State (Minister for Skills)

The minister’s Department for Education (DfE) responsibilities include:

governance, intervention and accountability of further education colleges
funding for education and training, provision and outcomes for 16- to 19-year-olds
further education financial stability and workforce
further education capital funding
Technical Excellence Colleges
provision for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in further education
access to higher education, participation and lifelong learning entitlement
quality of higher education and the student experience (including the Office for Students)
student finance (including the Student Loans Company)
technical and vocational qualifications (level 3 and below), including T Levels
higher technical education (levels 4 and 5)
careers advice
support for young people aged 16 to 19 not in employment, education or training (NEET)
skills strategy and delivery including devolution and regional performance
international education