News story: New Ofsted Chair announced

Professor Julius Weinberg appointed next Chair of Ofsted.

Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening today (11 April 2017) announced the appointment of Professor Julius Weinberg as next Chair of Ofsted.

As former Vice Chancellor of Kingston University and Deputy Chair of Ofqual, Professor Weinberg has had a wide-ranging career in the education sector.

Professor Weinberg has served as a board member of:

  • the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA)
  • London Higher, the umbrella organisation for higher education (HE) institutions in London
  • Access HE

He replaces interim Chair James Kempton and he will step down as Deputy Chair of Ofqual when he takes up his new role at Ofsted.

Education Secretary Justine Greening said:

Julius brings a wide range of experience from organisations in the education sector, and I’m pleased to welcome him to the role as the next Chair of Ofsted.

I am confident he and Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman will form a strong partnership.

Professor Julius Weinberg said:

I am honoured to be asked to take on the role of Chair of Ofsted and look forward to working with Ofsted in its important work of raising standards and improving the lives of children and young people.



Research and analysis: Water situation: national monthly reports for England 2017

Updated: New monthly report: Water situation, December 2017.

These reports collect information from the Environment Agency, the Met Office and water companies that measure and monitor:

  • the amount of rain that falls
  • how dry the soils are and how much rain they can soak up
  • the amount of water flowing in rivers
  • the amount of water stored below ground in aquifers and above ground in reservoirs

They also present the outlook for river flow and groundwater.



Research and analysis: Monthly water situation: national reports for England 2016

These reports collect information from the Environment Agency, the Met Office and water companies that measure and monitor:

  • the amount of rain that falls
  • how dry the soils are and how much rain they can soak up
  • the amount of water flowing in rivers
  • the amount of water stored below ground in aquifers and above ground in reservoirs

They also present a forward look for river flow and groundwater.



Notice: SN3 5BZ, Patheon UK Limited: environmental permit issued

The Environment Agency publish surrenders that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the surrender letter and decision document for:

  • Operator name: Patheon UK Limited
  • Installation name: Organomercury Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, Swindon
  • Permit number: EPR/NP3436LM/S002


Notice: ME17 2LU, Bowyers Field Developments Limited: environmental permit application advertisement

Updated: Link to online consultation added and deadline date for comments extended.

The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

  • what the application is about
  • which Environment Agency office you can visit to see the application documents on the public register
  • when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

  • whether to grant or refuse the application
  • what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)