Evasive answers fan concerns

It has always faced extra scrutiny from former board members, still well connected with the inner workings of the department, with the latest saga around the appointment of a new Head of Curriculum and Standards striking right at the heart of political involvement in recruitment.

The answers given to Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen’s persistent questioning so far have done little to reassure the public that a robust and fair procedure has been followed to select the best possible candidate.

It is de-stabilising at a time when the new senior management are taking up their posts ahead of the new school term – and before the States debate on whether to fund Education’s new schools proposals.

Critics are lining up to re-open discussion on whether the right model has been chosen, even willing to step back into the 11-plus arena, and any chink in the committee’s working practices will be ripped open.

Education has hidden behind legal advice in not coming clean about what happened with the appointment, but in doing so has simply fanned flames among those who believe a local candidate was offered the job but then asked to withdraw.

The accusation has been made very publicly. While answering questions in the States on Wednesday Education president Matt Fallaize failed to douse concern around his committee threatening a mass resignation if it did not get its way. He also tried to divert attention towards Policy & Resources in its role as the employer – we are yet to hear what it has to say but expect a limited response given a duty of care to staff.

If no one answers the questions directly speculation will only grow, and that is damaging not only to the committee but also to the senior staff trying to press on with overhauling the system.

As it is, Education appears evasive and that undermines trust – it needs to find a way to explain what has happened.