Interim Director General appointed

13 June 2018

States Chief Executive, Charlie Parker, today announced the appointment of an interim Director General for the new Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills.

Mark Rogers, who spent 16 years as a teacher and headteacher, before building a second career in children’s services and local government, joins the States of Jersey this week.

Mr Rogers will work alongside Education Director, Justin Donovan, to bring all children’s welfare, education and development into the new department, with an early focus on speeding up the implementation of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry recommendations.

Mr Parker said: “Mark Rogers has a wealth of experience of children’s education and welfare across more than three decades, and I’m delighted that he has agreed to join the urgent effort to transform children’s services in Jersey.

“His combination of teaching, children’s services and local government leadership expertise make him uniquely placed to support our drive to make a step change in how we care for, support and develop all children in our island.”

Mr Rogers said: “I have spent the vast majority of my working life serving the educational and welfare needs of children, and I have first-hand experience of the problems and pressures that affect childcare, both as a public employee and as a local authority senior leader.

“As Chief Executive of Solihull Borough and Birmingham City councils, I have tackled some of the toughest issues in local government, but it is the nurturing, protection and development of children, over more than 30 years, that continues to inspire me.

“I’m excited to be joining Jersey at this critical time, when I can use my experience to press forward with the reforms that are needed to children’s services and with the education and skills agenda, to help children and young people to fulfil their potential.”

Mr Rogers will take up his appointment, which was approved by the States Employment Board, with immediate effect and will remain in post pending the appointment of a permanent Director General.