Description Job Description 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. Responsibilities Responsibilities Once HMIE is established, HM Chief Inspector will be responsible for all operational matters, ensuring delivery against targets and that the new inspectorate is a high performing, continuously improving public body. As such, the role exercises significant personal autonomy and decision making in the strategic leadership of HMIE. The post-holder is required to work with leaders across education and with Government. They will be required to regularly advise on complex issues in areas of strong public, media and political interest and scrutiny. This includes engaging across the system at a senior level, challenging practice to secure improvement in performance, based on robust evidence and sound judgement. 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. Appointment to the post of HM Chief Inspector is subject to approval by His Majesty at a sitting of his Privy Council. We are therefore looking for a transformational leader who, within the context of our education and skills reform commitments, will have the creative vision and ambition to 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. Please see the separate Candidate Pack for further information on the role. Qualifications 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. 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. You will have a proven track record of leading and delivering improvements in excellence and equity. Experience of inspections is desirable but not essential. 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) How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Please note that an executive search agency, Aspen People, is working with Scottish Government on this recruitment exercise. If you submit an application, your details will be shared with Aspen People and they will contact you for an initial pre-sift interview. 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. Final interviews are scheduled for w/c 31 March 2025, however this may be subject to change. About us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working pattern Our standard hours at Senior Civil Service level are 37 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If applicable, secondment from your existing employer on your current employment terms for 3 years with the possibility of extension by a further 2 years might also be considered for this role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before 9 February 2025 at 23:59