At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the HMIE Advisory Council to represent educational stakeholders and advise the Chief Inspector.
- Company: His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, dedicated to improving Scottish education.
- Benefits: Competitive daily fee, flexible commitment, and a chance to shape education policy.
- Other info: Quarterly meetings with a commitment of 10-15 days per year.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scottish education and advocate for learners and educators.
- Qualifications: Extensive educational leadership experience and strong chairing skills required.
The Chair of the HMIE Advisory Council is being sought by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education to represent the views of those affected by inspection and provide advice to the Chief Inspector.
The Chief Inspector is looking for someone with a strong, personal commitment to education, extensive experience in educational leadership at a senior level, and significant experience of chairing diverse groups. The successful candidate will support the Chief Inspector in finalising membership for the Advisory Council, which will comprise 15-24 members drawn from stakeholder groups.
The function of the Council is to advise the Chief Inspector in relation to their functions, either when asked or on its own initiative. The Chief Inspector will attend meetings but will remain independent from discussions.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) provides independent inspection of education services in Scotland, assessing quality, supporting improvement, and informing policy. The purposes of inspection include:
- Recognising effective practice adopted by relevant educational establishments
- Promoting the quality of education by identifying areas for improvement
- Establishing where support may be required to make improvements
- Sharing effective practice
- Sharing evidence to inform the development of education policy
We are looking for someone who:
- Understands the unique contribution inspection makes to improving Scottish education
- Has knowledge of the legislative landscape for education and inspection
- Can build and manage relationships, balance conflicting opinions, and achieve consensus
- Has a high level of political acuity
Remuneration will be provided in line with the mean daily fee, currently set at £292.00 per day. The role is for a period of four years, with the option to extend for a further four years following review. Advisory Council meetings will be held quarterly, requiring a commitment of 10-15 days per annum.
Interviews and assessments are expected to be held virtually, week commencing 11 May 2026, consisting of a presentation and interview.
If you are interested in the role, please contact Alec O’Neill at alexander.o'neill@gov.scot or visit the HMIE website for more information. To apply, follow the instructions provided on the HMIE Advisory Council Chair vacancies page. Applications must include:
- A completed application form
- A current tailored CV or description of work and other relevant experience
- The names of two referees
All completed applications along with the CV should be returned to alexander.o'neill@gov.scot by 23:59 on 23 April 2026. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, particularly from under-represented or minority groups and those with disabilities.
Chair of the HMIE Advisory Council in Glasgow employer: Scottish Government
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in Scotland. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, HMIE offers unique opportunities for meaningful engagement in educational leadership. As Chair of the Advisory Council, you will play a pivotal role in shaping educational policy while enjoying competitive remuneration and the chance to influence the future of Scottish education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the HMIE Advisory Council in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the HMIE and understand their mission and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around improving Scottish education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your leadership experience and vision for the Advisory Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your CV and application form are tailored to highlight your relevant experience and commitment to education.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the HMIE Advisory Council in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the role of Chair for the HMIE Advisory Council. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your experience aligns with the specific criteria mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to education.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets your message across effectively, especially when discussing your qualifications and experiences.
Submit Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through the HMIE website as instructed. Double-check that you’ve included all required documents, like your tailored CV and references. Following the application process closely shows us you can pay attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Educational Landscape
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the current educational landscape in Scotland, especially the implications of The Education (Scotland) Act 2025. Familiarise yourself with how inspection contributes to improving education and be ready to discuss this knowledge during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully chaired diverse groups or led educational initiatives. Highlight your ability to build consensus and manage differing opinions, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on a relevant issue to demonstrate your skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, including learners, parents, and educators. Be prepared to discuss strategies for building relationships and gathering input from these groups, as this will be an essential part of your role as Chair.
