Education Policy Institute begins CEO search after leadership announcement | ETIH EdTech News – EdTech Innovation Hub

Leadership Transition at the Education Policy Institute: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Leadership Change

The Education Policy Institute (EPI), a key independent research body in the United Kingdom, has initiated the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer. This follows the announcement of the departure of the current CEO, Natalie Perera. The organization is reported to be in a strong financial and research position, presenting a significant opportunity for the incoming leader to advance its mission.

EPI’s Mandate and Alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education)

EPI’s core mission is fundamentally aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. The institute’s work is dedicated to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Its primary activities directly support the targets of SDG 4 through a focus on:

• Evidence-led research into education policy.
• Analysis of funding models and their impact on educational outcomes.
• Improving outcomes for all children and young people across England.

Addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through Evidence-Based Policy

A significant emphasis of EPI’s work is on tackling educational disparities, which directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. The institute aims to reduce inequalities of outcome by providing data-driven analysis to inform policy. Its mission is to:

• Conduct independent research focused on educational inequalities and attainment gaps.
• Utilise data to highlight and address the gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers.
• Influence government decision-making and support practitioners to create a more equitable education system.

Role of the Chief Executive in Advancing SDGs

The incoming Chief Executive will be responsible for steering the institute’s strategic direction, ensuring its work continues to contribute effectively to national and global development goals. The key responsibilities are integral to advancing the agenda of the SDGs:

1. To provide strategic and operational leadership that reinforces EPI’s commitment to SDG 4 and SDG 10.
2. To uphold the quality and integrity of the institute’s research and analytical output, ensuring it provides a robust evidence base for policy aimed at improving educational equity.
3. To lead external engagement and maintain EPI’s influential voice in national education debates, fostering partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
4. To guide policy-facing work that supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (SDG 16) within the education sector.

Operational Details of the Recruitment Process

• Position: Chief Executive Officer
• Contract: Permanent, full-time
• Location: Central London (Hybrid working model)
• Reporting Line: Chair of the Board of Trustees
• Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
• Interview Schedule: Early February 2026 in London

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article directly addresses this goal by describing the Education Policy Institute (EPI) as a research institute focused on “education policy, inequalities, attainment gaps, funding, and outcomes for children and young people.” Its core mission is centered on improving education.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • This goal is central to EPI’s mission, which, as stated in the article, emphasizes “reducing gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers.” This highlights a clear focus on tackling educational inequality based on socio-economic status.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article connects to this goal by portraying EPI as an “independent, evidence-led research institute” that uses “data-driven analysis” to “influence government decision-making.” This contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by providing a solid evidence base for policy.

Specific Targets Identified

1. Target 4.5: Ensure equal access to all levels of education

   • The article’s repeated mention of EPI’s focus on “inequalities,” “attainment gaps,” and its mission of “reducing gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers” directly aligns with this target, which aims to eliminate disparities in education for vulnerable groups.

2. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome

   • EPI’s work to analyze and address “attainment gaps” is a direct effort to reduce inequalities of outcome in education. By aiming to “influence government decision-making,” the institute works towards promoting policies that ensure equal opportunities for all students, as mentioned in this target.

3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions

   • The article describes EPI as an “independent, evidence-led research institute” whose work aims to “influence government decision-making” and support practitioners. By providing “data-driven analysis,” EPI contributes to making educational governance more effective and accountable, which is the essence of this target.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Measurement of Attainment Gaps

   • The article does not state a formal SDG indicator, but it strongly implies one. EPI’s focus on “attainment gaps” and “reducing gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers” means that the measurement and analysis of these gaps serve as a primary indicator of progress. This would be used to measure progress towards Targets 4.5 and 10.3.

2. Use of Evidence in Policy-Making

   • An implied indicator for Target 16.6 is the extent to which EPI’s “data-driven analysis” and “research quality” are used to “influence government decision-making.” The article highlights that a key part of the CEO’s role is “guiding policy-facing work and maintaining EPI’s standing within national education debates,” suggesting that its influence on policy is a key measure of its success.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: edtechinnovationhub.com