His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland
Base location: Glasgow
Salary: Circa £108,393 (Range £108,393 - £117,329)
We are seeking an outstanding individual with relevant professional experience for the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland.
Background
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.
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.
It is anticipated that HMIE will be a new standalone public body, funded by the Scottish Government, whilst reporting to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. As such, the post-holder will provide significant national leadership, delivering professional advice, information and evidence, to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, other Scottish Ministers and Scottish Government officials, on the performance of Scottish education and improvement measures, including the development of educational policy and practice.
We are therefore looking for a transformational leader who, within the context of our education and skills reform commitments, can drive greater improvement in Scottish education, bringing a stronger focus on inspection outcomes, whilst creating a confident, respected and influential public body in its own right.
Until HMIE is established, HM Chief Inspector will report to the Chief Executive of Education Scotland, who will continue to hold Accountable Officer responsibilities for the inspectorate function during this period. The Chief Executive’s role will be to ensure that appropriate support is in place to enable the post-holder to fulfil their duties.
Appointment to the post of HM Chief Inspector is subject to approval by His Majesty at a sitting of his Privy Council.
Working Pattern and Contract Type
Individuals on any working pattern can apply for any post. We welcome flexible working. If you are interested in applying on a job-share basis, please make clear in your application if you wish to be considered as a pre-existing job-share partnership or if you are interested in moving into a job-share arrangement. We will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for the post and discuss all options with candidates.
This is a permanent, pensionable Senior Civil Service Director (SCS2) role located in Glasgow. The Scottish Government operates a flexible, hybrid approach to working but some in-office attendance will be required to meet business needs for this role. Relocation expenses may be available.
His Majesty's Chief Inspector will have personal autonomy, direct access to senior stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and be responsible for Education Scotland’s Scrutiny Directorate, including delegated budget oversight which is anticipated to be circa £10-15m, mainly for staffing costs.
As His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, you will be responsible for a range of duties. A short summary is below but more detail can be found in the Candidate Pack.
Organisational Leadership and Change
Inspection and system improvement
Senior management
Further detail on the roles and responsibilities can be found in the Candidate Pack
Essential Criteria
In your Supporting Statement, and if invited to interview, you will be expected to answer on the following Essential Criteria which includes both the Specialist and Leadership criteria as set out below:
*We strongly encourage you to structure your Supporting Statement around these criteria
Specialist Criteria
Senior Civil Service Leadership Criteria
Leading collectively
Developing others
Leading others
Understanding and developing self
How to Apply
Fully completed applications should be submitted by 23:55 on 6 October 2024.
To apply for this post, you must register on our Applicant Tracking System and submit the following documents through such:
In your CV and Supporting Statement, you should relate your experience to the
Essential Criteria outlined in the Candidate Pack.
Please note that both CV and Supporting Statement must provided via the Applicant Tracking System for your application to be considered.
Please consult the Candidate Pack and Further Information Pack. when preparing your application.
If there are any technical issues, please contact SCSResourcing@gov.scot
Additional Information
This competition is being run in accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles.
If you are shortlisted, you will be provided with full details of the next stages of the selection and assessment process. This will include an individual psychological assessment and both staff and stakeholder engagement exercises. It may also include a recorded presentation. You will also have the opportunity to meet with Ministers and other key stakeholders prior to the final selection panel interview to learn more about the role and the organisation.
The Final Interview Panel will be chaired by Chris Pilgrim, Civil Service Commissioner and will include Neil Rennick, DG Education & Justice, Scottish Government. Information on other panel members will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Final interviews will be held in St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG.
For further details on this role and how to apply please consult the Candidate Pack and Further Information Pack
If you have any questions please contact Peter Morrison in the SCS Resourcing Team at Peter.Morrison@gov.scot.
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