Sir Kevan Collins becomes DfE non-executive board member
The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed Sir Kevan Collins as a new Non-Executive Board Member.
Sir Kevan has 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.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, 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.
Sir Kevan Collins 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."
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