DESC chief officer leaves role

Fri, 25 Sep 2020

The Chief Executive of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) has today left his role with the Manx Government.

Professor Ronald Barr, who joined Government in 2006, held the position of Chief Executive for seven years following a long and notable career in education that saw him lecture in the United States of America, Scotland and England before moving to the Isle of Man to become the Deputy Principal with responsibility for higher education at University College Isle of Man. Prior to taking up the role of Chief Executive, Professor Barr was the University College Principal.

During his time as Chief Executive at DESC, Professor Barr was accountable for a budget in excess of £100 million and responsible for over 1,700 full and part time staff. The Department’s responsibilities include pre-school assessment, primary, secondary and tertiary education as well as the National Sports Centre and Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre complex.

Over the recent months, in addition to the Department’s responsibilities, Professor Barr has given support to the completion of the independent review into management and governance arrangements for the Island’s education system.

Professor Barr said: “After more than 13 years working in education in the Isle of Man, it is time for a change. It has been my privilege to work with many of the Island’s educators as we have sought to improve educational opportunities and standards. I wish the Isle of Man Government and all those working throughout the Department every success in meeting the undoubted challenges ahead.”

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Dr Alex Allinson MHK said: “I sincerely thank Professor Barr for his dedication not only to the Department, but to education as a whole. I would like to thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best for the future.”

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