Guernsey Education Department appoints chief officer

A new chief officer has been appointed to Guernsey's Education Department.

Jon Buckland was appointed after the job was advertised internally, following Derek Neale's change of role to oversee the building of new schools.

Mr Buckland, who is the current chief officer of the Commerce and Employment Department, is due to take up the post on 1 February.

He said he was looking forward to the role and improving education service in response to the Mulkerrin Review.

The review was critical of the centralisation of power and lack of accountability in the department.

Mr Buckland said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the Education Department, and to work with teachers, head teachers, education professionals and, of course, children and parents across Guernsey and Alderney.

"While there is much for the education service to be proud of, there is also a great deal of work for us to do in ensuring that all of our children get the best possible education."