A highly experienced local government officer with an impressive track record in education and children’s services has been appointed Director of Education for Powys County Council.

Ian Budd, currently with Flintshire County Council, has been appointed Director of Education for Powys and will take up his new post in the summer.

The statutory role of Director of Education has been undertaken by the council’s Chief Executive since 2012 with support from Ceredigion County Council. The move, which was a temporary measure, followed an inspection of the education authority by Estyn.

Last November the cabinet announced it intended strengthening its school services by appointing a Director of Education.

Chief Executive, Jeremy Patterson said: “We have been extremely fortunate to appoint a candidate of Ian’s calibre as Director of Education for Powys. He is a highly experienced and well qualified officer who has worked at the highest levels, both in England and Wales and will be a valuable addition to the council’s school services.”

Commenting on his successful appointment, Ian said: “I am delighted at the prospect of joining Powys. I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues and partners to secure the best possible provision and outcomes for learners, equipping young people with the skills that they need for their future.”

Ian has held senior education positions with four local authorities, including the statutory Chief Education Officer and Director of Children’s Services roles with Flintshire, Assistant Director of Education and Children’s Services in Shropshire and Education Officer posts with both Worcestershire and North Somerset Councils.

Whilst with Flintshire, Ian served as Chairman of the Association of Directors of Education in Wales (ADEW). Qualified in teaching and social work, he has also worked in operational education, youth work and social work roles in England and Japan.

A graduate of Aberystwyth University, Ian also holds Masters Degrees from both Durham and Keele Universities. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, College of Teachers and the Royal Society of Arts. A long term resident of the Marches, his interests include running, history and travel.