News story

Standards and Testing Agency chief executive appointed

The agency will oversee statutory tests and assessments for children up to age 14.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Ian Todd was today appointed as the first chief executive of the new Standards and Testing Agency.

Mr Todd will take up his position on July 4, in order to play a full role in planning for the executive agency.

The agency, based within the Department for Education, will oversee statutory tests and assessments for children up to age 14.

Mr Todd has held a number of senior public service roles, most recently as chief executive and registrar of the General Dental Council. He has also worked at the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

He said:

I am delighted to be able to take on this new role at such a key time. The coming year brings welcome changes to statutory assessment and I am looking forward to the challenges involved and to the next steps in planning for the new agency.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said:

I am delighted that Ian Todd has accepted this vital role. His skills will ensure that the new agency oversees testing and assessment for thousands of our children every year in a thorough, effective and professional manner.

Notes to editors

  1. Ian Todd was previously chief executive and registrar of the General Dental Council and before that was director of fitness and practice at the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Prior to entering the world of regulation, Ian spent 13 years in the NHS ambulance service in both clinical and management roles, including at director level.

  2. The appointments process for the appointment of Ian Todd was overseen by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, with the process chaired by a Commissioner, and the appointment made on merit; political activity played no part in the decision-making process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations and the code of practice, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared), and other information, to be made public. Mr Todd declared no such activity. Education Secretary Michael Gove approved the appointment but had no formal role in the interview process.

  3. The Standards and Testing Agency is being established to deliver National Curriculum tests and assessments following Ministerial decisions to close the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA). QCDA closure is subject to the passage of legislation.

  4. The agency will be responsible for statutory testing and assessment for pupils up to 14. Its exact remit will be confirmed following consideration of the recommendations of Lord Bew’s review of Key Stage 2 testing, assessment and accountability. Ofqual, the independent regulator, will continue to have an important role in regulating to ensure the integrity and impartiality of national curriculum tests. Mr Todd will report to a senior civil servant within the Department for Education and within a Department for Education governance structure accountable to the Secretary of State.

DfE enquiries

Central newsdesk - for journalists 020 7783 8300

General enquiries - for members of the public 0370 000 2288

Published 5 March 2013