The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed a new
Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM), Sir .
Sir Kevan brings a wealth of expert experience to the role,
having previously served in government, most recently as
Education Recovery Commissioner at the DfE.
As Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) he
examined and analysed evidence on education effectiveness. He
also has experience as a classroom teacher and as Director of
Children's Services in Tower Hamlets, demonstrating his deep
understanding and expertise of education delivery at a system
level. He also has the confidence of key stakeholders across the
education sector.
Non-executive board members are senior figures from outside
government, appointed by the Secretary of State, to provide
support and challenge to government departments. The DfE's cohort
of NEBMs is made up of individuals from business and other
backgrounds, who give appropriate advice on many aspects on the
running of the Department. Sir Kevan will sit on the DfE board
alongside Ministers and the department's wider non-executive
board. The board provides scrutiny across delivery and
performance, supporting and challenging the department.
As part of this role, Sir Kevan will advise on driving high and
rising standards - focusing on finding solutions to the biggest
barriers to opportunity for children, including teacher shortages
and high absence rates.
The government has been clear that the education and care system
does not currently meet the needs of all children, particularly
those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – with
earlier interventions in mainstream schools key for those with
less complex needs.
To ensure that improving inclusion in mainstream schools is
the heart of our plans to improve opportunity for those children
with SEND, the Education Secretary has today also confirmed that
the Department for Education will restructure so that SEND and
Alternative Provision policy will come under the responsibility
of the Schools Group.
Education Secretary , said:
Our push for high and rising standards across our state schools
began on day one, with first steps including recruiting 6,500 new
teachers. I have moved quickly to make sure my Department can
deliver on our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity
so every child has the best start in life.
Sir Kevan has been an outstanding force for good in schools,
especially his work advocating for our teachers and children
during the pandemic and he will play a crucial role in advising
the department.
Permanent Secretary, Susan Acland-Hood, said:
We are delighted to welcome Sir back to the Department. His
significant experience in education will be an asset as we work
to build on and improve school standards.”
Sir said:
I am delighted to be returning to the Department of
Education.
There are real challenges facing our schools and I am looking
forward to being part of a renewed drive to ensure that we tackle
these with bold and fresh new ideas, to deliver high and rising
standards in every corner of the country.
Sir Kevan's appointment has been approved by the Commissioner for
Public Appointments, in line with the Governance Code on Public
Appointments.
He has begun his three-year term with immediate effect. Sir
Kevan's declaration of interests will be published on gov.uk.
