Robert Halfon, an education minister in the last government, has been appointed executive director, policy, membership and external affairs at Make UK – a manufacturing trade body that also provides apprenticeships and training.
He started at Make UK last month and reports to Stephen Phipson CBE, chief executive, and Lord Harrington, chair.
Commenting on his new role, Halfon said: “I look forward to working with members, supporting policy development - especially on skills - and making sure the Make UK mission is spread far and wide.”
Halfon was Conservative MP for Harlow for 14 years before stepping down at the last general election. He held several ministerial posts, including minister without portfolio at the Cabinet Office, apprenticeships and skills minister, and education minister.
Phipson said: “We are very pleased to have Rob join Make UK and bring his extensive campaigning and policy experience to the benefit of the UK manufacturing sector.”
He added: “Skills shortages are one of the key limitations to economic growth in the UK and Rob's vast experience as one of the UK’s foremost experts in this area will be hugely beneficial as we work through the implementation of the government's Modern Industrial Strategy.”
The ex-minister has an “invaluable knowledge of Westminster and Whitehall that will help Make UK build on its campaigning role for manufacturers across the UK”, Harrington said. “In particular, his expertise across the skills landscape, especially on apprenticeships, will be especially vital in helping the sector tackle one of the biggest challenges it faces in building a talent pipeline for the future,” he remarked.
Halfon’s new role has been approved by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), but it cautioned that there is a “reasonable risk that your role may be seen to be lobbying on behalf of the organisation”.
In its advice to Halfon, published last month, it notes: “It is significant that you said that your role will not involve lobbying or contact with government, and that this has been confirmed by Make UK.”
Acoba has advised Halfon that he should not lobby the government for two years from his last day as a minister.
“The Committee’s advice is that you should have no direct engagement with the government on behalf of Make UK,” it states.