Arts, Culture & Heritage

Rod Bryans has made Jersey his home since 1976. Born in Wallasey he lived on the Wirral until his college years in Leeds where he gained a degree in Film and Graphic Design.

Previously a teacher then a director of a local insurance brokerage, he became a politician in 2011 and elected as Deputy of St Helier No2. During his first term of office, he was Assistant Education Minister, then re-elected in 2014 he became the Education Minister for Jersey. During his tenure he rolled out the island's first Digital Strategy and secured the building of the new secondary school at Les Quennevais. He moved away from politics in May 2018.

Prior to politics he created two successful retail campaigns, “Think Twice Buy Local” and Genuine Jersey’s “Taste the Passion” focussing on local food production.

In 2004 created the “745 Breakfast Club” a networking club that is still running 12 years later. He also created the very successful “What’s your Street’s Story” designed to create greater public engagement with Jersey Archive, as the head archivist reported, ”it’s been a 100% success.”

As a politician Rod has delivered keynote speeches for national conferences and to an array of UK based multinational companies, trade and professional bodies. Speaking on a wide range of topics from education, creativity, photography and mental-health. Rod’s ability to connect with an audience and provide illumination to the most complex of subjects sets him apart from the rest.

An award winning photographer in his own right, he has initiated several photographic blogs, taught photography locally and judged photographic competitions. He’s a published photo-journalist and continues to teach photographic skills to students and adults alike.

As a multi-talented creative force Rod still teaches on “How to think Creatively” and “Design Thinking”.