Phil Smith CBE
Biography
Phil Smith CBE is Chair of Skills England, bringing extensive leadership in technology, innovation and skills development.
Former Cisco UK & Ireland CEO and Chairman, he also chaired Innovate UK and led key skills initiatives, including The Tech Partnership and the Digital Skills Council.
Awarded a CBE in 2019 for services to technology and skills, Phil has worked to bridge industry and education. His appointment as Skills England Chair in 2025 reflects his commitment to shaping the UK’s workforce for future economic needs.
Chair
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board in shaping the strategic direction of Skills England and providing independent oversight, scrutiny and assurance. In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team, the Chair is responsible for:
- shaping Skills England’s corporate strategy and key strategic objectives
- overseeing major decisions involving the use of financial and other resources
- having regard to Skills England’s statutory and administrative obligations
The Chair is expected to dedicate approximately 20 days per year to the role, including attendance at Board meetings, performance reviews, and engagement with stakeholders.
Industrial Strategy Advisory Council member
Phil is a member of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC) by virtue of his role as interim Chair of Skills England, a new arm’s length body that will bring partners together to meet the skills needs of the next 10 years. This will ensure the 2 bodies work together to form a coherent national picture of where skills gaps exist and how they can be addressed.