New Chair Leads Student Loans Company’s Next Chapter
A significant shift is underway at the Student Loans Company (SLC) as Gary Page is set to assume the role of chair on April 1. This change follows Peter Lauener’s completion of his second and final three-year term.
Leadership Transition at the Student Loans Company
Gary Page has been a board member of the SLC since 2020. His experience will play a crucial role as the SLC prepares for upcoming reforms in post-18 education funding. One of the key changes includes the introduction of lifelong loan entitlement (LLE) funding applications, which will open this September.
Gary Page’s Background and Responsibilities
In addition to his role at SLC, Page is chair of Triodos Bank UK and a trustee of the charity Hope After Suicide Loss UK. He also serves as a lay member of the South East Employment Tribunal. As the new chair, Page will lead a board of six non-executive directors, overseeing the company’s operational and financial performance.
- Years of Service: Page has been with SLC since 2020.
- Salary: The position offers £59,000 annually.
- Workforce: SLC employs nearly 3,300 people.
- Annual Financial Disbursement: Nearly £24 billion was paid out in 2023-24 for student finance.
- Application Volume: Processes over a million applications per year.
Government Support for the Transition
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed gratitude to Lauener for his service and recognized Page’s leadership experience as an asset. She emphasized the need for strong leadership during this transformative phase at SLC.
Reflecting on his appointment, Page noted, “This is a pivotal moment. The SLC is vital in supporting students across the UK in their educational pursuits.” He aims to enhance the service as it undertakes significant modernization projects.
As the SLC evolves, Page’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the organization through this crucial chapter, ensuring it meets the needs of students while adapting to upcoming changes in the education funding landscape.
