New Chair to lead Hampshire Skills Partnership in boosting skills and the local economy

The Partnership is a key part of the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership and helps deliver Hampshire County Council’s priority of supporting the local economy by ensuring that employers can access the skilled workforce they need, while creating opportunities for Hampshire residents. 

Julie succeeds Professor Sarah Greer CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, who stepped down on 11 June after playing a leading role in establishing the Partnership and strengthening collaboration across Hampshire’s skills system. 

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board, said: “I would like to thank Professor Sarah Greer for her leadership and commitment as Chair of the Hampshire Skills Partnership. She has played an important role in bringing partners together and strengthening the focus on skills across the county. 
 
“Supporting skills development is central to our priority of supporting the local economy. By working together, we can help ensure businesses have access to the talent they need to grow, while providing people in our communities with opportunities and helping them gain the skills they need to succeed. 

“I am delighted to welcome Julie Milburn as incoming Chair and look forward to working with her as the Partnership continues its important work.” 

Since its launch in 2024, the Partnership has brought together organisations from across the county to take a more coordinated approach to skills, including supporting the development of the Hampshire Skills Strategy. The Strategy sets out shared priorities to better align learning and training with the needs of the local economy. 

Professor Sarah Greer CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Winchester, said: “It has been my privilege to serve as the inaugural Chair of Hampshire Skills Partnership. It has been a genuinely collaborative initiative, with educators and employers working together to identify the skills that the current and future workforce will need in order to ensure that Hampshire thrives as a place to work and to live.  

“In a rapidly changing world, it is essential that we listen to businesses to understand how we can help them to grow, develop and succeed in our county. I am grateful to colleagues at Hampshire County Council for their support of the Skills Partnership, and I wish Julie and colleagues every success as they continue this important work.” 

Looking ahead, the Partnership will continue to focus on workforce development, strengthening collaboration and ensuring Hampshire is well placed to respond to future economic opportunities and challenges. 

Julie Milburn, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Sparsholt College Group, said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair and look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been established. The Hampshire Skills Partnership has an important role to play in shaping the future workforce, supporting employers and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop the skills they need to succeed. 

“As we look ahead to the coming year, I am excited to work with our partners across the county to address emerging skills challenges, champion innovation and help ensure Hampshire continues to thrive as a place where students and businesses can prosper."