Permanent Ofqual Chair appointed

Ian Bauckham CBE has been appointed as Chair of Ofqual by the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi today (9 December).

Mr Bauckham has held the position of Interim Chair of Ofqual since January, and will start his three-year position as permanent Chair in the new year.

Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi said:

I am pleased that Ian will be taking on the role of Ofqual Chair permanently. His extensive experience of the education and qualifications systems means he is the ideal person to guide Ofqual through the critical work ahead.

Ofqual Chair Ian Bauckham said:

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to continue as Chair of Ofqual. Our aim is to act in the interests of all those taking qualifications and apprenticeships.

It is a privilege to be able to work with a team so focused on this priority, as we respond to the demands created by the pandemic and play our part in delivering important reforms to make sure qualifications and apprenticeships stand the test of time and equip those who take them for the future.

Dr Jo Saxton, Chief Regulator of Ofqual said:

I welcome the appointment of a Chair with such a wide range of experience across the education sector. Students of all ages can be confident that we have the leadership we need for the years ahead. I very much look forward to continuing to work with Ian in the new year.

Mr Bauckham is the CEO and Director of Tenax Schools Trust, a multi-academy trust, and Chair of Oak National Academy. He has been a member of the Ofqual board since March 2018 and a member of the Ofqual Standards Advisory Group since 2015.