Former teacher appointed island's first Education and Lifelong Learning Minister

Tuesday 27 February 2024

The States Assembly has appointed a Reform Jersey deputy as its first Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Deputy Rob Ward was selected for the new role without contest this morning.

He had been tipped for the role in Government several weeks ago, when Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham also announced that he would split the Children's and Education Minister portfolio into two ministries.

Constable Richard Vibert was appointed Children's Minister at that time, before the new role could be created through legislative changes.

Prior to politics, Deputy Ward had 25 years of experience in the teaching profession and experience of leading the Jersey branch of the National Education Union. 

Most recently, he served as Chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel after fellow Reform member Deputy Geoff Southern was ousted from the position by a vote of no confidence brought against him by the panel's vice-chair.

Deputy Ward has been a vocal critic of Kristina Moore's Government's approach to teaching unions in the ongoing pay row.

In the States sitting this morning, the new Education Minister said he would not simply “stop anything that came before”.

Deputy Inna Gardiner previously held the role, until a vote of no confidence in Chief Minister Kristina Moore earlier this year. 

Pictured: "I want to re-establish a respectful and positive relationship with the educational profession," said Deputy Rob Ward.

Deputy Ward continued: “One of the biggest problems over the last years has been constant change, in curriculum, teaching methods, and priorities being set for staff rather than with them.

“My leadership will not be characterised by this approach, and I will bring a realism and pragmatism to effect meaningful change where it is necessary.” 

He pledged to continue work on the development of a school meals programme, school facilities in central St Helier, and nursery education provision.

Deputy Ward further praised teachers for their "resolution" in the pay dispute which recently came to an end.

"I want to re-establish a respectful and positive relationship with the educational profession," he added.

Elsewhere in his speech and questioning, he proposed an "intelligent view" of lifelong learning, which would include building greater understanding of the role of apprenticeships in the economy and lifelong access to them, and the importance of a youth centre in St Helier.

On how he would work with Constable Vibert, he said that they ensured there was a weekly overlap in meetings to foster a "regular and focused dialogue".