Rosalind Burford

Rosalind began her professional life in academia. She did postgraduate work in International Relations at the University of London where she joined the Institute of Commonwealth Studies as a research fellow. She subsequently developed an interest in education policy while working as a lecturer. This led to a position as a University of Cambridge Chief Examiner where she worked on new modes of assessment for global examinations.

In mid‑career Rosalind joined the overseas career service of the British Council, serving in 12 countries over 20 years – in several countries as a Country Director and often on diplomatic postings. She was particularly drawn to working in countries undergoing rapid transition. These included Poland and the CzechRepublic (with spells in Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia) immediately after the fall of Communism. There her main focus was on UK government initiatives to support eventual EU accession - especially new educational policies and structures to replace rejected Soviet models.

Work in transitional countries in Asia such as Indonesia, Korea and China included, in a diverse portfolio, working with the then‑DTI to promote UK Creative Industries and address related intellectual property issues. As Head of Education for the British Council in China she worked with the UK Higher Education Funding Council to initiate UK­ training programmes for Chinese university vice‑chancellors. She was also responsible for introducing UK NVQs into China providing millions of Chinese workers with internationally‑validated qualifications. Elsewhere, as Director in post‑war Sierra Leone she was responsible for developing infrastructure for a £10m DfID project to rebuild the country’s justice and security systems. Since retiring Rosalind has continued in public service as a lay member for the General Teaching Council and as a college governor.