Social Services: National Skills Academies

Mr. Stephen O'Brien
To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the answer of 20 June 2008, Official Report, column 1236W, whether the Social Care Skills Academy is operational.

Phil Hope
The National Skills Academy for Social Care is currently involving a broad array of sector employers and people who use services to ensure its programmes and activities meet the needs and expectations of those who will benefit most from its creation. It has recently appointed a permanent director and is currently rolling out its first programmes. The Skills Academy is expected to be fully operational by autumn 2009.