The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has kickstarted 2026 with a significant strategic appointment, bringing in an expert adviser to spearhead its mission on adult skills and economic growth.
Key Appointment to Drive Skills Agenda
On Monday, 12th January 2026, the DWP announced the part-time, unpaid appointment of Praful Nargund as a skills policy adviser. This role is set to last for an initial period of six months, with an option to extend. Nargund's primary focus will be to help the Labour Party government maximise the impact of adult skills policy in England, directly supporting the goal of unlocking opportunities and driving economic growth.
Nargund is the founder and director of the Good Growth Foundation, a think tank dedicated to inclusive economic policies. He brings prior experience from Labour’s Council of Skills Advisors, where he worked on better preparing individuals for the workforce.
Confidential Role with High-Level Access
The adviser will work closely with DWP officials on a confidential basis and will have access to relevant official and ministerial papers. A key function of the role will be to update the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions as required, ensuring the department's leadership receives high-quality advice.
The DWP stated that the position is designed to inform and embed the new policy area of adult skills within the department's wider work on the labour market. This follows the transfer of adult skills policy for England into the DWP.
Broader Impact and Strategic Goals
The government has outlined three core objectives for this appointment. Firstly, it will ensure the Secretary of State has expert advice on growth specifically related to adult skills. Secondly, it will enhance DWP's engagement with academics, economists, and other expert stakeholders on skills issues. Finally, it is intended to drive innovative thinking on how adult skills can increase opportunity and fuel the UK's economic growth.
In practice, Nargund will collaborate with civil servants and Special Advisers on the policy underpinning the DWP’s Skills agenda. His work will involve supporting the Secretary of State to make the best use of the transferred adult skills policy to meet the government's growth targets.
