Ofqual

Ofqual announces new Chair

Thursday, 14 July 2011 13:18

Following Education Secretary Michael Gove's recommendation last month, the Privy Council has today announced its approval of Amanda Spielman as the new Chair of Ofqual. Ms Spielman will join the independent regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments, this week.

Ms Spielman is Research and Development Director of the academy operator ARK Schools.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Spielman said: "Ofqual’s top priority is to maintain the high standards of the qualifications that shape the future prospects of our young people. Ofqual has achieved a tremendous amount in the year since it was established and I am very much looking forward to working with the Board and the executive team."

Ofqual's Deputy Chair, Sandra Burslem said; "On behalf of the Ofqual Board, I would like to welcome Ms Spielman to Ofqual. I am confident that her appointment will benefit Ofqual as we continue to implement our new strategic model for regulation."

Ends

Note to editors:

Amanda Spielman's previous positions and experience include:

Member of International Education Task Team, ARK
Former member of DfE Independent/State Schools Partnership Forum
Former member of Sir Richard Sykes Review Group
Former Director of Wales Millennium Centre
Masters degree in Comparative Education, Institute of Education
Ms Spielman is also a chartered accountant and previously spent more than 15 years in mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy and private equity in the UK and the US for Kleinwort Benson, Mercer Management Consulting and Nomura International Principal Finance Group.

Additional information added on November 28/11/2011:

The appointment was made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) and was made on merit; political activity played no part in the decision-making process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations and the code of practice, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared), and other information, to be made public.