The Isle of Man Government has appointed an Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.
Graham Kinrade, who has 28 years of experience in education, will take on the role for a six month period with immediate effect. In his position he will be responsible for more than 2,300 full and part-time staff and a budget of £115 million. The DESC is in charge of 37 schools, as well as the National Sports Centre, Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre.
Mr Kinrade, said:
‘I am delighted to be returning to education, for which I have always held a great passion. I am looking forward to both re-establishing relations with old colleagues as well as meeting new ones.
‘I feel sure that together we will build a strong and respectful culture through which we will be able to deliver the best education for pupils and ensure the people of this Island receive the education, sports facilities and shows they deserve.’
Mr Kinrade joined the Department as a primary school teacher in 1987, and has held a number of roles within the education system, including head teacher, IT adviser and school improvement adviser. Most recently he has held the position of Director of Government Technology Service (GTS).
Mr Kinrade will help to deliver against the high-level action plan outlined in the Council of Ministers response to an Independent Review which was published last week.
The review carried out by Beamans concluded that the relationship between the Department and teachers on the Island is ‘fractured and must be repaired.’
Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
‘The recent report and stress of a longstanding industrial dispute have affected the dedicated staff who work for the Department. I am looking forward to working with Graham to reset the relationship with the teaching profession and achieve the desired cultural changes.
‘I am confident that Graham shares my desire to take the steps needed to improve and develop opportunities for education, sport and culture on the Island.’
Mr Kinrade will take over from Professor Ronald Barr who left the role after seven years on Friday.
