Search Launched For The Chief Executive (Designate) Of The Education And Skills Authority

5 September 2006
SEARCH LAUNCHED FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS AUTHORITY
The restructuring of education in Northern Ireland today took a further important step forward with the advertisement for the post of Chief Executive (Designate) for the new Education and Skills Authority.
The new Authority will become operational in 2008 and will replace the five Education and Library Boards and the range of other education organisations funded by the Government.
Education Minister, Maria Eagle, said she was looking for a truly exceptional candidate to spearhead the achievement of a vision for excellence in education in Northern Ireland.
She said: "The restructuring of education is about improving the quality of our education provision, and raising standards of achievement for all schools and all children. The Chief Executive (Designate) of the new Education and Skills Authority will have a pivotal role in achieving this."
The creation of the Education and Skills Authority is a fundamental change in the delivery of education services in Northern Ireland. This new organisation will become the hub of future administration for education.
The Minister added that it was essential that the successful candidate had strong financial and change management skills. She said:
"Government is investing record amounts of money in education. I want to ensure this money is going where it is most needed within the education sector - into classrooms for the benefit of Northern Ireland's young people.
"The Chief Executive (Designate) will have the task of ensuring that schools have the best quality support and that savings go directly to the front-line.
"The successful applicant must have excellent proven financial management skills and a strong track record of managing large scale change. This is essential in order to manage and account for the Education and Skills Authority's Ł1.6 billion budget, and provide innovative and dynamic leadership for staff in the new Education and Skills Authority."
It is intended that the new education structures will be in place from 1 April 2008.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
A full information pack and application form can be downloaded from www.nicsrecruitment.gov.uk or by writing to Recruitment Service, Northern Ireland Civil Service, Orchard House, 40 Foyle Street, Londonderry, BT48 6AT.
Advertisements will be placed in the Belfast Telegraph, News Letter, Irish News, Irish Times, Sunday Times and the Guardian from 5th September 2006.
The closing date for applications is 22 September 2006.
Media inquiries to Press Office on 028 9127 9701.

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