At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the 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 support diverse voices in the system.
- Qualifications: Extensive educational leadership experience and strong chairing skills required.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education is looking for a chairperson for the new Advisory Council. The Council is being formed to represent the views of those affected by inspection, and to provide advice to the Chief Inspector.
Role Summary
The Chief Inspector is looking for someone with a strong, personal commitment to education, with extensive experience in educational leadership at a senior level. With your knowledge of education you will also be able to demonstrate significant experience of chairing diverse groups at this level. In applying you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the role criteria set out below.
Education
The Education (Scotland) Act 2025 came into effect on 1 March 2026. The Act states that the Chief Inspector must establish an Advisory Council. The Advisory Council will represent the interests of:
- Learners and practitioners
- Parents, carers and staff members
The function of the Council is to advise the Chief Inspector in relation to the exercise of their functions, either when asked to do so by the Chief Inspector or on its own initiative. This role is the first stage in forming the Council and the successful candidate will be essential in supporting the Chief Inspector to finalise membership. The Council will comprise 15‑24 members. These will be drawn from stakeholder groups and representatives who meet the criteria as set out in the Act. HMIE will seek both member nominations from key groups and recruit through public advertisement.
As the Chair, you will lead the Advisory Council in determining what business is discussed and will prepare and present the advice of the Council for the Chief Inspector. The Chief Inspector will remain independent from the discussions and, while not a Council member, will attend meetings. The legislation includes specific requirements for the Chief Inspector about how to engage and respond to the advice of that Council.
About His Majesty’s Inspectorate Of Education
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) provides independent inspection of education services in Scotland. We carry out inspections across sectors to assess quality, support improvement and inform policy. Our work gives assurance to learners, families, educators and to Parliament. We promote improvement by sharing effective practice and generating evidence to shape national thinking. Under The Education (Scotland) Act 2025, HMIE will continue to carry out inspections, publish findings and support system learning. The power to set the frequency and focus of inspections moves from Scottish Ministers to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector.
The Purposes Of Inspection Are To
- recognise effective practice adopted by relevant educational establishments
- promote the quality of education by identifying areas for improvement
- establish where support may be required to make improvements
- share effective practice
- share evidence to inform the development of education policy
The purposes of inspection are set out by The Education (Scotland) Act 2025.
Candidate Background And Experience
We are looking for someone with a strong, personal commitment to education, with extensive experience in educational leadership at a senior level, and experience of chairing groups at this level. You must also be able to demonstrate that you:
- Understand the unique contribution inspection makes to improving Scottish education
- Have a knowledge of the legislative landscape for education and inspection
- Are able to build and manage relationships, balance conflicting opinion and achieve consensus
- Have a high level of political acuity.
Remuneration and Time Commitment
Remuneration will be provided in line with the mean daily fee. This is currently set at: £292.00 per day. You will chair the Advisory Council 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 and you will be expected to be able to commit to 10‑15 days per annum.
Interviews and Assessments
Interviews and assessments are expected to be held virtually, week commencing 11 May 2026. Interviews will consist of a presentation and interview.
Further Information
If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more or have any questions, please contact Alec O’Neill at alexander.o'neill@gov.scot or go to the HMIE website.
To Apply For This Role Please Follow These Instructions
A full person specification and application form are available on the HMIE website. Applications must include:
- A completed application form (available from the HMIE website). This will describe how you fit the criteria for the role set out above. Your statement should also demonstrate how you display the following characteristics, essential to the effective discharge of Council duties:
- Analyse information to support decision making
- Effective communication
- A current tailored CV or description of work and other relevant experience.
- Provision of the names of two referees who may be contacted.
All completed applications along with CV should also be returned to alexander.o'neill@gov.scot by 23:59 on 23 April 2026. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals and we particularly welcome applicants from under‑represented or minority groups and those with disabilities.
Chair of the HMIE Advisory Council in Glasgow employer: THE 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 working alongside diverse stakeholders, ensuring that your contributions have a lasting impact on learners and educators alike.
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 contacts 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. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to the Advisory Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully chaired diverse groups and navigated complex discussions. This will highlight your ability to lead the Advisory Council effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required documents. A well-organised application can set you apart from the competition.
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 criteria. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out your application form, don’t just list your past roles. Instead, share specific examples of your educational leadership experience and how you've successfully chaired diverse groups. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Tailor Your CV:Your CV should be a reflection of your journey in education. Make sure it’s current and tailored to this role. Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and your ability to lead effectively.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure you follow the application instructions to the letter. Include all required documents, like your completed application form and CV, and don’t forget to provide the names of two referees. Submit everything by the deadline through our website to ensure your application is considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Education Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in Scottish education and the legislative landscape. Being well-versed in the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 will show that you understand the unique contribution inspection makes to improving education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully chaired diverse groups. Highlight how you managed conflicting opinions and achieved consensus, as this is crucial for the role of Chair of the Advisory Council.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your presentation skills ahead of the interview. You’ll need to convey your ideas clearly and confidently, so consider rehearsing with a friend or recording yourself to refine your delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build and manage relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss strategies for engaging with learners, parents, and educators, as this will be key to your success in the role.
