Scottish Government

HM Chief Inspector of Education for Scotland

We are seeking an outstanding individual with relevant professional experience for the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland.

This is an exciting time for Scottish education as we implement significant reform to secure better outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.  His Majesty’s (HM) Chief Inspector will play a pivotal role in leading a new independent education inspectorate to provide public assurance in the quality of education, raising standards and improving outcomes for children, young people and adult learners.

As part of our reform commitments, the approach to inspection is to be transformed and HMIE will therefore play an important part in creating the conditions for children and young people to thrive.  The post-holder will have a critical role in leading a change in practice and culture, ensuring that the approach to inspection and its contribution to supporting and driving improvement in Scottish education is brought to life and delivered on the ground

Responsibilities

In June 2024, the Government introduced a Bill to Parliament which will see the establishment of a new office holder in the Scottish Administration by Autumn 2025 – “His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland”. It is anticipated that statutory functions will be conferred on HM Chief Inspector, who will lead a new independent education inspectorate, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), to take forward and improve the education inspection functions that currently sit within Education Scotland.  This is a significant change from the current position and includes the transfer of some legislative powers from Scottish Ministers directly to the Chief Inspector.

As part of our reform commitments, the approach to inspection is to be transformed and HMIE will therefore play an important part in creating the conditions for children and young people to thrive.  The post-holder will have a critical role in leading a change in practice and culture, ensuring that the approach to inspection and its contribution to supporting and driving improvement in Scottish education is brought to life and delivered on the ground.

Qualifications

You must be a senior education professional registered (or eligible for registration) with an appropriate professional body.

Success Profile

It is essential that you can provide evidence in your application of the professional experience and skills required for this role. In addition, candidates applying for roles with the government, agencies and public bodies in Scotland are assessed in line with the Success Profiles framework that is used across the Civil Service. This means that as well as evidencing the specialist criteria you will also be expected to evidence the behaviours at the level required for this Senior Civil Service role.

Technical

• A senior education professional registered (or eligible for registration) with an appropriate professional body, with a proven track record of leading and delivering improvements in excellence and equity. Experience of inspections is desirable but not essential.

Experience

• Experience of operating successfully at Board or senior level using strong political acuity, in a complex organisation, delivering cultural and high-profile programmes of change. With a strong track record of analysing evidence and drawing on personal expertise and resilience, to provide advice that drives improvement, through challenge and demonstrating strong collaborative leadership at a system level.

Behaviours

Evidence of the following behaviours is required at Level 6.

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Seeing the Bigger Picture
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving

More information can be found at: Behaviour levels – Success profiles: candidate guide – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)