Jade Gilks

Jade Gilks has extensive experience in education policy and program delivery, currently serving as the Head of Early Years and Childcare Programme Delivery Unit at the Department for Education since October 2016, with prior roles including Assistant Director positions in various early years units and as Team Leader for Relationships Education. Notable achievements include leading the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Education Expert Panel and ensuring governance and accountability systems within the organization's Corporate functions. Previously, Jade worked as a Policy Advisor at the Cabinet Office, focusing on sector sustainability and skills sharing for VCSE organizations. Jade's early career included roles at Queen Mary University of London as Welfare Representation and Policy Coordinator and Vice President Education, supported by a BA in Geography and Politics from the same institution.