Frances Wadsworth has been appointed as interim chair of the Ofqual board, the exams regulator has announced today.
Ms Wadsworth will replace Sir Ian Bauckham, who is becoming Ofqual’s interim chief regulator.
The chair of Ofqual lasts for a tenure of up to 12 months from 1 January 2024, during which time a process to recruit a permanent chair will take place.
Ms Wadsworth has served on the Ofqual board since April 2017 and is the current deputy chair.
She was previously principal and chief executive of Croydon College and East Surrey College, and since May 2018, Ms Wadsworth has served as a deputy further education commissioner and acted as interim further education commissioner for six months.
On her appointment, Ms Wadsworth said: “I am delighted to have been invited to serve as the interim chair of Ofqual, particularly at such an important time for the organisation and for the sector.
“I know from my experience in education how important qualifications, supported by regulation, are and the impact they can have on individuals, employers and organisations.
“I look forward to working with the interim chief regulator, the team at Ofqual and my board colleagues to continue supporting Ofqual’s important work in my new role as chair.”
Education secretary Gillian Keegan said: “I’d like to thank Sir Ian for all his hard work over the last two years, as he steps down from the chair position in order to take up the post of interim chief regulator.
“Ofqual plays an important role in ensuring our current and future qualifications work effectively, especially as we develop the new Advanced British Standard.
“Frances brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in advancing education and I look forward to working alongside her to ensure students taking qualifications and assessments in 2024 have the best possible chance to succeed.”
