Press release: New Chief Executive for Partnerships for Schools
10 August 2005
Richard Bowker has today been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools (PfS), the body delivering the government’s transformational multi-billion pound Building Schools for the Future investment programme.
Michael Grabiner, Chair of PfS, is delighted with the appointment, commenting that: “Richard is an exceptional, high calibre candidate, with a real track record in delivering key investment programmes. I am looking forward to working with him in taking forward this key Government priority”.
Previously, Richard was Chair and Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority from December 2001 to September 2004, where he provided strong and clear leadership for the whole industry. This resulted in the successful delivery of the multi billion pound West Coast Main Line Route Modernisation and the establishment of stability and clarity in the public private partnership with train operators.
Building Schools for the Future aims to enhance educational achievement by providing 21st century facilities for every secondary school pupil through a programme of remodelling and building over the next 10-15 years.
Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said: “Building Schools for the Future is a key priority, as part of the Government’s overall strategy for transforming performance in our secondary schools, and we are pleased that Richard has accepted this key post”.
PfS has been established, under a Joint Venture between DfES and Partnerships UK, to manage the delivery of Building Schools for the Future, the national programme of investment in the country’s secondary school estate.
James Stewart, Chief Executive of Partnerships UK said: “I am pleased that Richard is joining us for this next crucial period as PfS moves into a key delivery phase for Government’s Education policy. His leadership and delivery skills are exactly what we need”
Speaking of his appointment Richard Bowker said: “This is one of the country’s most important programmes of investment: delivering the quality of schools that our children deserve and which can make such a difference to their educational achievement. PfS has a fantastic team and I look forward to leading them as we shape and deliver the environments in which children can learn and grow.”
**** photo of Richard Bowker available on request ****
Notes to Editors
This press release relates to England only
- PfS is the Government’s key delivery agency with respect to the Building Schools for the Future programme. PfS’ role is to co-ordinate the national rollout of the BS F programme and provide support and challenge for Local Authorities implementing its schemes, acting as a focal point for the establishment of national standards of building and services delivery. Around 350 schools in over 30 local authority areas are already in the programme, which covers 3 waves of investment to be delivered over the next 3 years.
- PfS was established in April 2005, as a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB), and is operated and funded under a joint venture between DfES and PUK.
- Partnerships UK was established by HM Treasury in 2000 to work across the public sector to deliver better value PPPs and to be at the forefront of new forms of PPP. It became a PPP itself in 2001, when private shareholders were brought in alongside HM Treasury, but continues to work exclusively for the public sector.
- Richard Bowker was Chair and Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority from December 2001 to September 2004. Prior to that he was the Group Commercial Director of the Virgin Group of Companies. A Chartered Management Accountant, Richard began his career at London Underground where he specialised in innovative procurement techniques, commercial development and PFI / PPP projects and structures.
