THE States Assembly has appointed its first Education and Lifelong Learning Minister.
Deputy Rob Ward, a member of Reform Jersey, was selected for the new role without contest on Tuesday morning.
He had been tipped for the role in government several weeks ago, when Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham also announced that he would split the Children’s and Education Minister portfolio into two ministries.
Constable Richard Vibert was appointed Children’s Minister at that time, before the new role could be created through legislative changes.
In the States sitting this morning, Deputy Ward – who was previously a teacher before being elected to the States Assembly six years ago – said he would not simply “stop anything that came before”.
Deputy Inna Gardiner previously held the role, until a vote of no confidence in Chief Minister Kristina Moore earlier this year.
Deputy Ward continued: “One of the biggest problems over the last years has been constant change, in curriculum, teaching methods, and priorities being set for staff rather than with them.
“My leadership will not be characterised by this approach, and I will bring a realism and pragmatism to effect meaningful change where it is necessary.”
He pledged to continue work on the development of a school meals programme, school facilities in central St Helier, and nursery education provision.
Deputy Ward further praised teachers for their “resolution” in the pay dispute which recently came to an end.
“I want to re-establish a respectful and positive relationship with the educational profession,” he added.
Elsewhere in his speech and questioning, he proposed an “intelligent view” of lifelong learning, which would include building greater understanding of the role of apprenticeships in the economy and lifelong access to them, and the importance of a youth centre in St Helier.
On how he would work with Mr Vibert, he said that they ensured there was a weekly overlap in meetings to foster a “regular and focused dialogue”.
