Review of Public Administration - Introduction

The Review of Public Administration (RPA) is taking shape in Northern Ireland.

Within education, these changes are significant with RPA being the most influential reform in a generation. The proposed restructuring will transform administration and enable more resources to be available for schools, benefiting our children and young people.

Our Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, received the support of the Executive in July to establish the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) by April 2009 at the latest, and work is underway to achieve this.

The Minister has given her commitment to personally leading this transformation programme and is already engaging with key stakeholders in ensuring delivery of progressive and current information.

As you are aware, many workstreams have been established with many of our officials dedicating their time to the necessary legislation and progressing the RPA. The programme management board receives regular updates on implementation.

Gavin Boyd as Chief Designate of ESA has been developing the functions to ensure a smooth transition of responsibility from the various bodies to ESA.

I know there is a period of major change ahead for education and I am committed to providing all staff with regular updates on progress with implementation of the RPA.

Will Haire

Permanent Secretary, Department of Education