News story

Ofqual Chief Regulator announces departure

Glenys Stacey, Chief Regulator will be leaving Ofqual at the end of February 2016.

Ofqual is today (Thursday 6 August) announcing that its Chief Regulator, Glenys Stacey, will leave the organisation when her five-year term concludes at the end of February 2016. The Secretary of State for Education will work with Ofqual’s Board to identify and appoint a successor ahead of Ms Stacey’s departure.

On the announcement, Ms Stacey said:

I have been enormously privileged to have led Ofqual for the last five years, and delighted at the way in which it has developed. It is now an established part of the education world, with a key role in maintaining standards and improving qualifications central to young people and their future life chances.

She added:

It is time now for a fresh face to lead the organisation. I took this job in order to establish Ofqual as a credible, effective regulator. I have achieved that and believe the time is right now for a change in leadership. I am not retiring, and will look to use the skills I have acquired over my long career in public service.

Amanda Spielman, Chair of Ofqual, paid tribute to Ms Stacey’s contribution:

Ofqual has been transformed under Glenys’ leadership. My colleagues and I have extended our deep appreciation for Glenys’ hard work, direction and application over her tenure. Glenys will be a huge loss to Ofqual, but it is typical of her approach that she has given us an extended period of time to find a suitable replacement and opportunity to ensure a smooth transition.

Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, said:

Glenys has an absolute commitment to ensuring that young people leave school with respected qualifications that will open the doors for their future. During a time of significant reform she has brought both great insight and fastidiousness to this crucial role and our education system is much the better for it. I would like to thank her for all she has achieved in her time at Ofqual and for her commitment to public service. The role of chief regulator is vital to ensuring our children get the best possible education and we will be seeking a suitable replacement in due course.

Ends

Background

  • Glenys Stacey joined Ofqual as its CEO and Chief Regulator designate in March 2011
  • Ms Stacey was previously chief executive of Standards for England, Animal Health, the Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Courts Committee and the Criminal Cases Review Commission
  • the Ofqual Board was informed of Ms Stacey’s decision on 29th July 2015 and the Secretary of State’s Permanent Secretary was informed on 17th July 2015
  • The Department for Education will lead the recruitment process for Ms Stacey’s successor

Press office

Press office 0300 303 3342

For enquiries from journalists only.

Published 6 August 2015