His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland

The Scottish Government

Sep 18

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Government & Politics
Education & Teaching
Glasgow

Requirements

- 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 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.
- Delivering whole system change, by using strong, collaborative leadership skills, and taking a whole system approach to complex, dynamic issues.
- Actively developing wide networks internally and externally, breaking down and collaborating across barriers to deliver outcomes.
- Embedding an inclusive, learning culture - trusting and empowering others, to enable high performance and deliver tangible evidence of innovation.
- Setting clear strategic direction and making high quality decisions which balance risk and stakeholder interests to deliver outcomes, whilst creating a sense of collective purpose.
- Creating opportunities for development and innovation, building confidence and a positive organisational culture, that embraces the opportunities of reform.
- A strong understanding of yourself as a leader, how your personal life experiences and background impact on your thinking and behaviour, and how your decisions and actions impact on others.
- Personal resilience to role model inclusive leadership, embracing accountability and exposure, overcoming barriers to change.

Responsibilities

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
During the transition stage, to play a pivotal role as a member of Education Scotland’s Senior Leadership Team, to deliver reform commitments and ensure that a comprehensive programme of engagement with internal and external stakeholders is in place to inform and ensure support for reform.
Inspection and system improvement
Deliver a change in practice and culture, ensuring that the approach to inspection and its contribution to supporting and driving improvements is brought to life.
Set the frequency, scale, priorities and focus for inspections, creating an independently informed inspection plan that fulfils the body’s strategic priorities.
Provide independent professional advice to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Scottish Ministers, and Scottish Government officials, based on evidence-based insights, analysing inspection data and trends, to:
Improve outcomes consistent with the National Improvement Framework.
Develop educational policy and practice, ensuring they are aligned with current needs and the future aspirations of Scottish education.
Senior management
Following the establishment of HMIE, it is anticipated that the post-holder will be the Accountable Officer for the management of the body’s operating budgets (circa between £16m - £23m) and resources; ensuring that all relevant financial considerations and Scottish Government guidance, including issues of propriety, regularity, efficiency and value for money, are taken into account in delivering the body’s business.

FAQs

What is the location for the position of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland?

The position is based in Glasgow.

What is the salary range for this role?

The salary for this role is circa £108,393, with a range of £108,393 - £117,329.

Is this a permanent position?

Yes, this is a permanent, pensionable Senior Civil Service Director (SCS2) role.

What qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants should be 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.

Are there opportunities for flexible working arrangements?

Yes, flexible working is welcomed, and applicants can apply on a job-share basis.

What are the primary responsibilities of the HM Chief Inspector?

Responsibilities include organizational leadership and change, driving improvements through inspection processes, and providing independent professional advice to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and other ministers.

How will HM Chief Inspector be accountable during the transition period before HMIE is established?

Until HMIE is established, HM Chief Inspector will report to the Chief Executive of Education Scotland, who will hold Accountable Officer responsibilities.

What are the expected duties concerning budget management?

The post-holder will be responsible for managing the body’s operating budgets, which are anticipated to be between £16m - £23m, ensuring financial considerations and Scottish Government guidance are met.

When is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is 23:55 on 6 October 2024.

What documents are required to complete the application?

Applicants must submit a CV and a Supporting Statement (no longer than 1500 words) explaining their suitability for the role through the Applicant Tracking System.

What additional assessments will shortlisted candidates undergo?

Shortlisted candidates will undergo an individual psychological assessment, engagement exercises, and possibly a recorded presentation, as well as the opportunity to meet with Ministers and key stakeholders.

Who will chair the final interview panel?

The final interview panel will be chaired by Chris Pilgrim, Civil Service Commissioner.

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Mission & Purpose

The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport. The Scottish Government was known as the Scottish Executive when it was established in 1999 following the first elections to the Scottish Parliament. The current administration was formed after elections in May 2007. The Government's Purpose: To focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.