The review, led by Professor Sir Keith Burnett, was to make recommendations on the work of the Department, its structure and governance, as well as its role within the wider University.
Following a very positive report, which praised the work of the department and the quality of its staff, Council has given the green light to the recommendations. Several of these will now be taken forward as a priority.
Appointment of new full-time director
The appointment process for the new Director will start as soon as possible. Given the normal recruitment timetables and notice periods, the post is likely to be taken up early in 2022.
In the meantime, Dr Adrian Stokes, a previous deputy director of the department, will take on the role of Acting Director. He will succeed current Director Professor Jonathan Michie, who is stepping down from his role at the end of July in order to concentrate full time on the leadership of Kellogg College. Dr Stokes is appointed from 1 August but will ramp up his involvement over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.
We are enormously grateful to Adrian for taking on this important role. He fulfilled his previous role with great skill and commitment, and we are confident that he will do an excellent job of steering the Department through this period.
Huge thanks must also go to Jonathan, whose leadership has positioned the department for success and, in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, has made Oxford scholarship accessible to an even broader audience. Martin Williams, PVC (Education) and Chair of Continuing Education Board
Strategic Management Board is to be established
This will further strengthen the contribution of Continuing Education to the University’s widening participation agenda, and will improve governance and connectivity with the wider University.
Further recommendations will be considered by the new director and board.
