Sir Michael Barber

Biography

Sir Michael Barber was appointed as non-executive board member at the Ministry of Justice in November 2015.

Sir Michael has extensive experience of designing and delivering system-wide public service reform.

Sir Michael previously served the UK government as Chief Adviser to the Secretary of State for Education on School Standards (1997-2001) and as Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (2001-2005). The Delivery Unit he created in Downing Street has since been emulated in many other countries.

After leaving government, Sir Michael became Partner at McKinsey & Company where he played a leading role in establishing its public sector practice.

Sir Michael joined Pearson in September 2011 as Chief Education Advisor, leading their worldwide programme of efficacy and research. He is Chairman of the Pearson Affordable Learning Fund.

Sir Michael’s publications include ‘Instruction to Deliver’ (2008) and ‘How to Run a Government’ (2015).

Previous roles in government

  • Non-executive