Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From submarine pencil sharpeners to sector skills strategies, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of SummitSkills Chief Executive, Keith Marshall.
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| Keith Marshall |
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Born in Prestwick, Scotland, Keith is perpetuating his Scottish roots through his middle name – McCosh – which was the family name of his mother’s father. He has now passed this on to his son, who will then pass it down for generations to come. Keith’s father was a Naval Officer, which led to “living all over the place” during his childhood, and eventually relocating to Bedfordshire. After studying science at Bedford Modern School, Keith attended Imperial College and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering with Electronics. From an early age Keith knew that he wanted to join the navy and he fulfilled this dream upon being given the opportunity to complete a university cadetship. Here he studied engineering during the school year and worked with the navy throughout his holidays. After learning theory in university, Keith used his skills on a practical level on the naval ships along with his general navy training. Keith’s intense naval experiences included working on a mine sweeper and boarding merchant vessels to ensure they were unarmed. Keith was also deployed on an exciting mission to Cyprus where he “helped take the Brits off.” Keith specialized in conventional submarines, and at the age of 22, he had responsibility of their electronic weapons and propulsion system - with 40 men working for him! “I was responsible for everything from the radar to the captain’s bunk light,” said Keith. “I had a huge responsibility at a very young age…it was absolutely fantastic. I learned that discipline is based on ability not hierarchy. This has stayed with me right the way through.”
In 1980, Keith left the service as the travel and work schedule were quite strenuous on his family life. From here he joined a defence contract company where he worked on “I could tell you what I did, but I would have to shoot you” kind of stuff. In 1983, Keith delved into skills arena, working as senior management for the Engineering Industry Training Board. Here he helped develop the first NVQs. He also worked for the Training Standards Council to “develop the quality of vocational training and not just measure it.” This is where he caught the “new organization bug”. Keith then set up and worked as the Director of Planning for the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
In 2003, Keith took a leap of faith and joined SummitSkills, the building services engineering sector skills council, from scratch. He was initially the only member of staff, but with sheer determination and plenty of industry support, Keith turned this start-up organization into a small but successful one. SummitSkills has since launched a Sector Skills Agreement (SSA), helping employers connect with government, training and employees to create stronger and more efficient businesses in the building services industry. Keith’s contribution to the skills sector have not gone unnoticed, as he was recently named in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours list and appointed an Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE).
When he has a chance to break free from his busy work schedule, Keith enjoys spending time with his wife, three children and five grandkids. And if his family wasn’t big enough, he even has three dogs. Said Keith: “I get so much pleasure from just being with my family.”
1. Car coaster: Keith is an MG sports car enthusiast. Until recently, he was a proud owner of a perfectly restored british racing green MG Midget – a “prize-winning purist’s car”. Despite his appreciation for this finely crafted automobile, Keith sold it, but hung onto his yellow 1965 MGB Roadster. “It is so much to fun to drive, particularly in the summer,” said Keith.
2. Desk blotter: Keith is traditional when it comes to his stationery – he uses a fountain pen. To avoid nasty ink stains on his desk, Keith also uses a desk blotter.
3. Good Day Documents: This recently launched initiative is to promote careers and training in the sector through developing the skills of employees and making business better equipped to achieve success – “a GOOD DAY’s work from your employees makes for a GOOD DAY in business.”
More information can be found on the Good Day Website.
4. Laptop: Keith’s “nice and tiny” laptop is carried around with him everywhere
5. XDA Personal Data Assistant: This electronic handheld device is frequently used by Keith, as with his busy schedule it gives him the opportunity to send short emails quick and effectively.
6. SummitSkills Website: Here you can find out about SummitSkills, including the Train to Gain initiative, Sector Skills Agreement and more important information.
7. E-Banking Electronic Device: SummitSkills do most of their transactions though e-banking technology.
8. Thank You Card: This artistic card was given to Keith in gratitude from a couple who used his house in Cornwall. The front of the card was designed by Anthony Smith, a talented artist “on the lizard” that paints on cloth. Keith has collected several of his paintings.
9. Menu from The Ivy: Keith has kept this memento from an Apprenticeship PSA Target Celebration Dinner, which was held at the ivy.
10. Submarine Pencil Sharpener: Considering Keith’s extensive naval background, it is quite fitting to have a piece of submarine paraphernalia. Although Keith rarely uses it, the tiny pencil sharpening replica “sits there for a smile”.
11. House of Lords Calendar: This unique calendar fills up quickly, as Keith’s schedule as SummitSkills Chief Executive is a busy one.
12a/b/c. Cacti: These prickly plants were given to Keith from his grandkids, as they thought he could use an office plant that “requires no maintenance”.
13. RNLI Notecards: Keith is a big supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and donates on a regular basis. “It’s handy to have non-business stationery every now and then,” said Keith. The RNLI is a charity that provides a 24-hour lifesaving service around the UK and Republic of Ireland.
14. Letter of the Week: Keith is a huge fan of the late Miles Kington, a witty and intelligent columnist and humourist. This newspaper clipping was taken from the Times and is a classic example of Kington’s “Franglais” puns.
15. Glass Paperweight: Keith picked up this gift at a dinner with the President of the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) when they received their royal charter.
16. World Class Apprenticeships Documents: These “bible documents” are helping set the skills agenda until 2020. They document the government’s
strategy for the future of apprenticeships in England. “It’s important that we understand what is being proposed,” said Keith. “And then we can work with them on it.”
17. The London Learning and Skills Plan: This overview of learning and skills in London is a summary for April 2008 - March 2009 from the Learning Skills Council.
| Source: Francoise Snobel - Voltimum |
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