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David Hoare appointed as Ofsted Chair. 

Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan announced the appointment of David Hoare as the next chair of Ofsted.

Mr Hoare, currently chairman of the Teenage Cancer Trust, will take up his post in September.

His background in leading successful organisations and his experience in driving change made him the outstanding candidate.

He will replace Baroness Sally Morgan, who has been chair since 2011.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said:

I am delighted to appoint David to this important role.

He is a proven business leader who has the expertise in leadership and governance crucial to helping Ofsted through a significant period of change and reform.

He is also passionate about education and his work with academies across the country shows he shares my commitment to ever higher standards in our schools, for all children but particularly the most disadvantaged.

I am confident that his strong track record in business and the passion he demonstrated throughout the interview process will be of huge benefit to Ofsted. He and Sir Michael Wilshaw will make a superb team.

David Hoare said:

I am very happy to be taking up this appointment.

I look forward to working closely with Sir Michael Wilshaw to raise quality in children’s services and standards in our schools and colleges - especially for disadvantaged pupils.

Ofsted has a key role helping to improve the leadership of our schools and the performance of our pupils.

I look forward to being part of the team.

Mr Hoare has more than 30 years of experience in business and has a track record of building and leading teams to deliver improvements in performance. He has worked as chairman or chief executive of a number of large companies including independent mail and courier company the DX group, Virgin Express and V Ships.

Prior to this he spent 10 years at management consulting firm Bain and Company, helping international businesses improve their strategic and financial positions.

He has been Chairman of the Teenage Cancer Trust for the last 4 years. The trust helps teenagers with cancer and other related diseases by providing specialist age-appropriate units in NHS hospitals.

Mr Hoare has been involved in education since the early 1990s, including the early years sector and more recently as an academies ambassador for the Department for Education.

Notes to editors

1. The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skillsregulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

2. The appointment process was run in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) and was made on merit. There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared), and other information, to be made public. David Hoare has declared no political affiliations.

3. David Hoare is Chair of the Teenage Cancer Trust and recently stood down as chair of the DX Group. He was appointed as a trustee of the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) earlier this year as part of an effort to improve standards in their schools. He is stepping down from the role following his appointment. His previous appointments include chair of V. Ships Group (2007 to 2011), Chair of Sparck holdings B.V (2005 to 2008), and Chair of Virgin Express Holdings PLC (1999-2005), Chief Executive of Thorn UK Ltd (1998 to 1999), Chief Executive of Laura Ashley PLC (1997 to 1998) and Chief Executive of Cope Allman Packaging PLC (1987 to 1992).

4. The person specification for Ofsted chair includes:

Experience and knowledge

• A proven track record of successful leadership and governance within a major organisation
• Evidence of significant personal achievements in driving change, organisational improvement and delivering results in difficult financial circumstances
• A thorough understanding of the issues and challenges faced by Ofsted in fulfilling its remit in a climate of strong accountability and financial restraint
• Experience of an environment in which taking proportionate risks, incentivising effective behaviour and rigorously appraising performance are key

Skills and attributes

• Ability to understand the strategic role of the board and the boundaries between its role and the professional judgments of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector and to possess the leadership qualities, personal credibility and competences to manage that relationship
• Excellent judgment and sensitivity, with evidence of ability to engage astutely with ministers, senior politicians, government officials, the media and a wide range of stakeholders
• The stature and communication skills necessary to command respect quickly, represent Ofsted and to build mutually supportive relationships and networks