LONDON, February 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospects new Managing Director will be Vincent McDonnell, currently Director of Learning at CfBT Education Trust. He will take over in his new post at the end of March.

Vincent worked in senior positions in Birmingham, Sheffield and then Staffordshire Local Education Authorities, before moving to the London Borough of Richmond as Chief Education Officer in February 1998.

Then, in April 2000, he moved to Cambridge Education, to lead the outsourced education service in Islington, turning around what had been identified as a failing service into what was subsequently identified as one of the most improved Authorities in the country.

Prospects founder Chief Executive Ray Auvray, who will become Executive Chairman of Prospects in March, commented: "I am delighted that Vincent will be joining us to further strengthen our senior team. We have ambitious plans to grow the Prospects business by providing a wider and more diverse range of education and training services. Vincent McDonnell's expertise, knowledge and contacts will be critical in our successfully achieving our objectives."

Vincent McDonnell commented: "I count myself very fortunate to have been offered this position. Prospects is one of the fastest growing businesses in the education sector. I have watched the company flourish over the years. Prospects has a deserved reputation for offering a high quality service. I look forward to being part of the team and having the opportunity to work alongside my new colleagues at Prospects and contribute to the continued growth and expansion of the company."

Note to editors:

Prospects Services Ltd is a major provider of educational and training services with a turnover of over GBP50 million. Major contracts include Ofsted inspections; Connexions information advice and guidance services; 'nextstep' adult guidance contracts; Offender Learning Support and a wide range of other consultancy work for local authorities, the Learning and Skills Council, Job Centre Plus, Department for Work and Pensions and others.

A photograph of Vincent McDonnell is available on request.

Contacts: Ray Auvray, +44(0)20-8315-1500; Vincent McDonnell, +44(0)7810-892711; Julie Moore, Head of Public Relations, +44(0)121-521-2302