Strategic Director, Inspection

Location: Glasgow

Location:

Glasgow;
Livingston Salary: 96,009 per year Employment:
Full time Category:
Director Of Education Posted:
Valid to:
Apply: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Scottish Government Job summary

Help shape the future of Scottish education by leading a modern, influential inspection function that drives excellence, supports improvement, and delivers confidence in the quality of learning and teaching across the country.

Help shape the future of Scottish education by leading a modern, influential inspection function that drives excellence, supports improvement, and delivers confidence in the quality of learning and teaching across the country. As Strategic Director (Inspection), you will provide strategic leadership for the organisation's inspection function, with overall responsibility for the design, delivery and impact of inspection programmes across Scotland. You will ensure inspection activity provides robust assurance on the quality of education and drives improvement, making a significant contribution to the organisation's wider improvement agenda.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a newly established independent inspectorate and play a key role within a new Senior Management Team at a pivotal point in the organisation's development. Working alongside a second Strategic Director with complementary responsibilities, you will contribute to the overall leadership, direction and governance of the organisation while helping establish the culture, priorities and future operating model of the inspectorate.

You will lead the development and delivery of an increasingly diverse portfolio of inspection activity, using evidence, research and sector insight to support learning and improvement across the education system. Working with a wide range of stakeholders, you will ensure inspection findings inform policy, practice and continuous improvement at both local and national levels. Leading a team of Assistant Directors and HM Inspectors, you will provide visible and credible leadership across the organisation, ensuring high standards of professional practice, performance and delivery.

You will also contribute to wider corporate leadership, supporting effective governance, organisational performance and resource management as part of the senior leadership team.

The successful candidate will bring a strong ability to interpret and utilise performance, analytical and evidence-based information at a strategic level, alongside a deep understanding of quality improvement methodologies within education. Through your leadership, you will help shape a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement across the system. Given the significance of the role, the postholder will also have the capability and credibility to operate at the highest levels of the organisation and, when required, provide leadership and support across the wider inspectorate, , including deputising for the Chief Inspector as appropriate.

Job description

Responsibilities

Work as part of the senior leadership team to implement the Education (Scotland) Act 2025, ensuring all legislative obligations are met. Lead and direct inspection programmes across schools, education authorities, further and higher education, teacher education providers and other education settings, ensuring inspections provide robust assurance and drive improvement. Lead thematic and subject-based reviews that provide insight into key aspects of education, including learning, teaching, assessment, curriculum and skills.

Ensure inspection evidence is translated into clear, authoritative and trusted advice that supports national priorities and drives improvement across Scottish education. Act as a senior source of professional advice, support and constructive challenge on education policy, practice and performance, supporting the Chief Inspector and Ministers as required. Promote and safeguard the credibility, independence and integrity of HM Inspectors and the wider organisation.

Oversee the effective leadership, governance and performance of HMIE, including inspection operations, corporate services, financial stewardship and statutory obligations. Keep the work of HMIE under review, ensuring inspection approaches remain relevant, evidence-based and aligned with the needs of learners, practitioners and stakeholders. Build and maintain effective relationships with key partners across Scottish Government, local government, the education sector and wider public services to support reform…