Jo Saxton takes up role of Chief Regulator at Ofqual
Ofqual’s new Chief Regulator, Dr Jo Saxton, has taken up her post at England’s independent qualifications regulator.
Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson had named Dr Jo Saxton as his preferred candidate to be the next Ofqual Chief Regulator in June 2021, to take the place of interim Chief Regulator Simon Lebus.
Dr Saxton was selected for the role following an open recruitment competition and assessment process led by a panel, conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Dr Saxton has now formally started her role, on 18 September.
Dr Saxton said: “I believe in the power of education to transform life chances, which is why I’m so passionate about qualifications.
“As chief regulator, pupils and students will be at the heart of every decision we make at Ofqual: their best interests will be my compass.
“The Ofqual kitemark gives confidence to learners choosing their next step and to employers making recruitment decisions.
“I am looking forward to building on the work of my predecessor Simon Lebus and the team at Ofqual.”
Dr Saxton has led inner-city and coastal schools, and during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was adviser at the Department for Education, working on a range of policies from academies and regulation through to qualifications and the establishment of Oak National Academy.
Interim Chair of Ofqual Ian Bauckham CBE added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Dr Saxton to Ofqual, as we settle in to a new academic year.
“As a former educator and Ofqual board member, I have no doubt that she will provide insightful leadership to Ofqual.”
Before working with academies and schools, Dr Saxton taught and examined at universities in England and the United States of America. She holds a PhD from New York University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge.
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