His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in 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.    

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. 

Appointment to the post of HM Chief Inspector is subject to approval by His Majesty at a sitting of his Privy Council.

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. 

For further details on this role and how to apply please visit

www.jobs.gov.scot (Ref: ID 2024-9628). Alternatively, please contact Peter Morrison in the SCS Resourcing Team (SCSResourcing@gov.scot).

The closing date for applications is Sunday 6 October 2024 at 23:55.

We welcome applications from all candidates including those with neurodiversity or a disability and candidates of all ages, ethnicity and sexual orientation.