Commenting on the appointment, Dame Christine Gilbert, Chair of the EEF, said:
“This is an important and challenging review and it is a tribute to Professor Francis’ many achievements, impressive skills and expertise that she has been invited to lead it. A common thread running throughout Becky’s career has been a laser-like focus on addressing educational inequalities. I have no doubt that she will bring this commitment to the review.
“Throughout her professional life, Becky has worked closely with teachers and policymakers, spearheading major research programmes that have investigated the impact of reforms in the school system. In her role as CEO at the EEF since January 2020, she has been dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. She has focused on building and sharing the evidence base of what works – and what doesn’t – to support great teaching and learning.”
For the period of the review, Professor Francis will be on secondment to the DfE, where she will be acting independently as the Lead Reviewer as appointed by the Secretary of State. She will temporarily step back from her role at the EEF when she takes up the post in early August.
Dame Christine Gilbert, currently EEF Chair, will provide additional time and extra support to the organisation as Executive Chair. The EEF’s Directors of Impact and Research, Chris Paterson and Emily Yeomans respectively, will provide interim leadership as joint CEOs.