Pre-appointment Hearing: Chief Regulator of Ofqual

The Committee held a pre-appointment hearing with the Government’s preferred candidate for the Chief Regulator of The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), on 10 December 2024. We agree that Sir Ian Bauckham CBE is appointable to the post. Wider reflections on the role

The Committee recognises Sir Ian’s commitment to delivering the core tasks of Ofqual, namely maintaining standards and confidence in qualifications. Sir Ian’s ambition to enhance Ofqual’s reputation further to be “ever more trusted by the public and by students as the guardian of safe, fair and trustworthy qualifications” is welcome.15 Sir Ian noted the turnover in Chief Regulators in recent years, and we hope that he fulfils his commitment to serve a full term in office and restore much-needed stability to the organisation.16

Sir Ian’s CV details his extensive experience in schools in leadership roles.17 We note that he has made significant contributions to the education sector, as evidenced by his knighthood, received in 2023. Sir Ian’s work in national roles, within Ofqual, and in several schools illustrates his involvement in different education-focused environments. He told us that his roles in schools had provided him with a good understanding of the educational landscape and a deep appreciation of the value of qualifications.18 His supporting statement shows a passion for the role, and an ambition to ensure Ofqual fulfils its core tasks and priorities during his term.19 15 Q8 16 Qq9–11 17 Appendix 4: Candidate’s CV 18 Q1 19 Appendix 5: Candidate’s Supporting Statement 7

The Committee questioned Sir Ian on his background, his motivations for the role, and priorities for Ofqual.20 We asked him about his work to restore stability to the organisation following the appointment of five Chief Regulators in a four-year period.21 We additionally spoke to Sir Ian about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) on exam cohorts, his approach to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the qualifications sectors, and his views on reforms to post-16 qualifications, adjustments for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during assessments, and the role of T-Levels.22 We will monitor closely how Sir Ian and Ofqual address these issues. Further scrutiny of Ofqual

The Committee holds responsibility for regular scrutiny of Ofqual, in addition to other non-ministerial government departments, and we look forward to scrutinising Sir Ian’s implementation of Ofqual’s core tasks and priorities. 20 Q1, Qq7–8 21 Qq9–11 22 Qq12–28 8