Ofqual's Chief Executive to move to overseas advisory post in 2011
Wednesday, 22 September 2010 13:53
Ofqual's chief executive, Isabel Nisbet, will leave the independent regulator of examinations and qualifications next year. She will take up the post of Senior Education Adviser (Asia Pacific Region) with University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in March 2011. After an initial period in England, she will be based in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Isabel Nisbet said, "March 2011 will mark the anniversary of Ofqual’s establishment as an independent statutory body. It remains a privilege to lead the organisation at this important time. Next year I shall welcome the exciting new challenge of supporting CIE in forging deeper links between educational developments in this country and those in the Asia Pacific Region."
Speaking on behalf of the Ofqual Board, Sandra Burslem, deputy chair, said "We would like to thank Isabel for her strong leadership. She has been with the organisation since its inception and played a pivotal role in setting up Ofqual as an independent regulator in April 2010. It is typical of Isabel’s dedication and commitment that she has chosen to allow the organisation time to settle down before announcing her departure in 2011."
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Notes for editors
1. Isabel came to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in July 2005 to be its first Director of Regulation. When Ministers decided to establish an independent regulator (now Ofqual), Isabel headed the work to establish Ofqual, in interim and then substantive form, in its new Coventry location. In December 2009 Isabel was appointed the first Chief Executive of Ofqual by the then Secretary of State (Ed Balls) for a limited period, to enable Ofqual to make a permanent appointment of the next CEO. That post has recently been advertised.
2. Before coming to the QCA, Isabel had a career in the UK Civil Service and professional regulation, notably in health where she established two new professional regulatory bodies.
3. Cambridge Assessment offers examinations and educational services in many countries overseas (including the Asia Pacific region) through Cambridge International Examinations. Ofqual’s legal regulatory remit does not extend to qualifications or examinations taken overseas.
4. The announcement from CIE can be found on their website - http://www.cie.org.uk/news/announcements/detail?announcement_id=34415
5. QCDA's response can be found on their website - http://www.qcda.gov.uk/news/7177.aspx
