The DfE has appointed Sir Kevan as a new non-executive board member (NEBM) – senior independent figures designed to support and challenge Government departments. His three-year term has started immediately.
It comes after he quit as education recovery commissioner for the previous Government in June 2021 due to a row over Covid-19 catch-up funding.
As part of his new role, Sir Kevan will advise on raising standards, focusing on finding solutions to the biggest barriers to opportunity for children, including teacher shortages and high absence rates.
Appointed by the secretary of state, the DfE’s non-executive board members include individuals from business and other backgrounds, who give advice on aspects of the running of the Department, and sit alongside ministers.
Experience
Formerly the chief executive of the EEF, Sir Kevan served as education recovery commissioner at the DfE under the previous Government.
As chief executive of the EEF he examined and analysed evidence on education effectiveness. He also has experience as a teacher and was director of children’s services in Tower Hamlets.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson, said, ‘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.’
Sir Kevan’s appointment has been approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
