Greater powers of independence for role.
A former head teacher is set to be appointed Scotland's new Chief
Inspector of Education.
Ruth Binks, currently Corporate Director of Education,
Communities and Organisational Development at Inverclyde Council,
will start in the role at the end of March, subject to final
pre-appointment checks being completed and the appointment being
made by an Order of His Majesty the King. She has previously
worked as a classroom teacher and head teacher.
The new office of HM Chief Inspector of Education Scotland
(HMCIES) includes enhanced independence, as part of the
provisions of the Education (Scotland) Act, which was passed by
the Scottish Parliament last year.
The inspectorate provisions will come into effect in March.
Education Secretary said:
“Ruth has a depth of knowledge of Scottish education, both in the
classroom and in a strategic leadership capacity. I'm confident
that she brings the right experience to this key role.
“The new inspectorate body will have greater independence
and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections. The
office is at the heart of the education reform programme
this Government is driving forward.
“This appointment will be pivotal in our efforts to drive
improvement across Scotland's education and skills system and to
bring about the changes required to meet the needs of future
generations of young people."
Ms Binks added:
“My passion for achieving excellence and reducing inequalities
for our young people has been at the heart of everything I have
undertaken in my career to date.
“In my new role as His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education I
will continue to pursue this passion, striving to get the very
best for every young person regardless of their background.”
Background
Under the Education (Scotland) Act 2005, the appointment of HM
Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland is made by His Majesty
by Order in Council, on recommendation of the Scottish Ministers.
Graeme Logan will continue to cover the role of HM Chief
Inspector of Education until Ms Binks takes up the post.
Before joining Inverclyde Council, Ms Binks began as a class
teacher in the Highland Council area, teaching in primary schools
from 1998 to 2004. She subsequently served as head teacher at
Croy Primary School and Central Primary School until 2011, before
taking on roles as a quality improvement officer and later as
quality improvement manager within Highland Council's education
department.
