The Department of Education and Children has today appointed a new Chief Executive Officer. Stuart Dobson succeeds John Cain, former Director of Education and Children, who retired in December 2010 after nine years in the top post. Stuart began his career as a teacher in Wakefield and progressed to head of a school in Saudi Arabia. On return to England he rapidly moved into local government in a number of authorities and came to the Isle of Man in 2005 from a post in Halton on Merseryside. For 10 years he was a registered inspector of schools and also developed a consultancy business in the field of school and business leadership. Since moving to the Island he has held the posts of Senior Adviser and then, for three years, Deputy Director with the Department of Education and Children. Stuart said: ‘The freedoms afforded by the Isle of Man’s education system and system of Government make this one of the most exciting opportunities for anyone in my field. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with such a high quality and innovative group of colleagues who I am certain will work with me in facing the challenges and opportunities of the current time.’ Stuart and his wife Eileen have settled in Kirk Michael. They have two sons, one an actuary in London and the other training to be an accountant in Douglas. Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘I am delighted Stuart has been appointed to take charge of this busy and diverse Department, which has a workforce of some 2,643 staff deployed across 72 centres plus 688 supply and relief staff. ‘He will lead a skilled and dedicated workforce across our 40 schools, the Isle of Man College, the International Business School and our seven divisions – Corporate Services, Education Improvement Service, Estates, Finance, ICT, Services for Children and Youth. ‘We have taken the opportunity, with the retirement of John Cain, to redefine our most senior post to bring the DEC into line with other Government Departments. ‘Stuart will have the important task of steering the Department through a difficult period in view of the current fiscal challenges the Island is facing and I know he is looking forward to sitting down and starting work with me on refining our priorities and ensuring education in the Isle of Man, which has such an excellent reputation, continues to improve.’ Ends