Chair of schools' Policy Commission appointed

A highly-respected former civil servant will head up a “trailblazing” policy commission to examine the future of school provision in Shropshire.

Shropshire County Council has appointed Neil Kinghan CB as the independent chair of the commission, which will be tasked with investigating how to secure a sustainable network of schools in the county.

Mr Kinghan has years of experience of working in partnership with local government, and was formerly Director General for Local & Regional Government at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Department for Communities and Local Government. He was also Director of Economic and Environmental Policy at the Local Government Association.

A further three commissioners will join Mr Kinghan – each one a nationally recognised independent expert in their field, such as finance, education and rural issues.

Mr Kinghan will present a report to the council in June, outlining the scope and operating approach to be adopted by the policy commission.

Leader of Shropshire County Council, Malcolm Pate, said: “I am delighted Neil Kinghan has become chair of the policy commission. It will have a wide-ranging brief to look at school provision in the county – from how to deal with falling pupil numbers, to tackling our funding challenges.”

Commission chair, Neil Kinghan, said: “Education is one of the most important services provided by councils, and this commission will thoroughly consider the best way forward for schools in Shropshire. The commissioners will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the subject, and will provide the opportunity for all those with an interest, most importantly parents and teachers, to contribute to the debate. I am confident the commission will be a trailblazer for other councils to follow.”

Further information

The CB awarded to Neil Kinghan is regards to the Order of the Bath, which is an order of chivalry and was founded in 1725.

The order has a civil and military division, and is awarded in the following ranks: Knight Grand Cross (GCB), Knight Commander (KCB) and Companion (CB).

8 May 2008