26 JUL 2016
A New Education Secretary & Restructuring of the DfE
It’s no secret that the last few weeks have been a time of tumult and change for the UK Government – a new Prime Minister, a full reshuffling of the Cabinet and a whole series of other changes at Number 10.
It’s no secret that the last few weeks have been a time of tumult and change for the UK Government – a new Prime Minister, a full reshuffling of the Cabinet and a whole series of other changes at Number 10. These changes have also affected the FE sector, and we are about to see a number of new developments in our industry, particularly with the appointment of a new Education Secretary (Justine Greening), and restructuring of the DfE. So today we are looking at these changes and what they may mean for the FE sector.
The Department for Education taking over FE and Higher Education
It was announced two weeks ago that the Department for Education (DfE) will now be in charge of skills, higher education and FE, areas previously under the control of the Business Innovation and Skills (BIS). This merger seems sensible, as a press release from Number 10 has stated, “bringing these responsibilities together will mean that the government can take a comprehensive, end-to-end view of skills and education, supporting people from early years through to postgraduate study and work.” Hopefully, this arrangement will help to guide young people through every stage of their Further Education journey.
Nicky Morgan asked to step down; Justine Greening appointed as new Education Secretary
In addition to this shake-up, PM Teresa May has newly appointed Justine Greening as the Education Secretary. This news comes hot on the heels of an announcement that Nicky Morgan was asked to step down from the role after two years, a demotion that has clearly disappointed Ms. Morgan. As the news broke, she took to her Twitter account and wrote, “Disappointed not to be continuing as Education Secretary & Min for Women & Equalities – two wonderful roles it’s been a privilege to hold.” Soon after, it was announced that Justine Greening will take over the important role.
Who is Justine Greening?
Currently the MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields (a role she has maintained since 2005), Ms. Greening previously worked as the Secretary of State for the Department for International Development. In addition to this illustrious role, she has also been the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (2010) and then became Secretary of State for Transport in October 2011. Her educational background is equally exciting. After attending Oakwood Comprehensive School in Rotherham, a comprehensive secondary school (the first Education Secretary to have done so), Ms. Greening studied Economics at the University of Southampton before completing an MBA from London School of Economics. Her working class background has many in the FE industry feeling optimistic about the future. Much is being made in the media about it and this has given many pundits a sense of hope about her policies. James Kirkup of the Telegraph recently wrote, “It is indeed remarkable that she is possibly the first person to hold the job who was educated at a comprehensive school. But attitude and understanding are far more important than biography here, and as I said, Justine Greening gets it. And now she is in a position to do something about it. A very powerful position, in fact.”
What are your thoughts and opinions about these recent changes, and what do you think they will mean for FE?
Are you feeling excited about Ms. Greening in the role of Education Secretary, or do you have reason to be less than enthused? Have your say in the comment section below.