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Appointment details

Chair, Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted)

Summary

• Organisation: Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted)
• Sponsor department: Department for Education
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Education
• Skills: Audit and Risk, Communication, Transformation, Education
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 2 day(s) per week
• Remuneration: £55,000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 5pm on 2 March 2025

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   28 January 2025

2. Application deadline

   5pm on 2 March 2025

3. Sifting date

   12 March 2025

4. Interviews expected to end on

   14 April 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

Thank you for your interest in this important role.

This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity. Nowhere is this mission more vital than in our education and care settings. I want to ensure that each and every child and young person, whatever their background, receives the best life chances.

Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department and independent inspectorate with responsibility for inspection and regulation across a wide range of areas. The organisation is essential for ensuring the highest standards in education and care services across England.

Ofsted is entering a transformational period of reform, including implementing the outcomes of the Big Listen, introducing new report cards across its inspection remits, and responding to the recommendations of Dame Christine Gilbert’s Independent learning review.

Strong leadership is needed to navigate these challenges. We are therefore seeking to appoint an outstanding Chair with proven experience of working at the most senior levels in the public, voluntary or private sector. The new Chair will work closely with ministers, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector and board members to ensure Ofsted delivers on its priorities.

To ensure the strongest field of applicants, I would particularly encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to consider this role and the strengths that they could bring to it.

Thank you once again for your interest in this role. We look forward to hearing from you.

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson

Appointment description

Ofsted’s work is central to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity by securing high and rising standards across education, so that all children, young people and learners have the opportunity to achieve and thrive, whatever their background or circumstances.

The Secretary of State for Education is seeking a new Chair for Ofsted’s Non-Executive Board of Directors, to support and challenge Ofsted as it takes forward an important and widescale programme of reform to the way Ofsted operates and the way it delivers its inspection and regulatory activity.

The Chair will secure effective governance at this critical time, leading the Board as it discharges its statutory responsibilities to:

• determine strategic priorities for HMCI in connection with the performance of his functions;
• determine strategic objectives and targets relating to such priorities; and
• secure that HMCI’s functions are performed efficiently and effectively.

Ofsted have recently responded to the recommendations of Dame Christine Gilbert’s Independent learning review for Ofsted Independent learning review for Ofsted by Dame Christine Gilbert. The review looked into elements including Ofsted’s communications, incident management, organisational structure and support, and governance. The new chair will be responsible for leading the Board in relation to implementing Ofsted’s response to this recommendation. 

The Chair will also have particular responsibility for providing effective leadership, in partnership with Ofsted’s senior executive team, on matters such as:  

• formulating the Board’s strategy for discharging its statutory duties;
• monitoring and challenging the strategic performance and reputation of the organisation as it undertakes a significant programme of internal transformation and reform to inspection and regulatory practice;
• ensuring that Ofsted delivers services in line with the targets and standards set by the Board and HMCI, and having regard to the Government’s overall policy priorities for education and care;
• encouraging high standards of propriety;
• representing the views of the Board internally within Ofsted;
• advising the Secretary of State for Education on the performance of HMCI, on behalf of the Board; and
• making recommendations to the Secretary of State for the appointment of new Board members/reappointments where required and providing for the induction, training, objective setting and assessment of individual Board members.

Organisation description

About Ofsted

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It is a non-ministerial government department and independent inspectorate, with responsibility for carrying out inspection and regulation across a wide range of children’s education and social care areas, to help secure excellent outcomes for children and learners. It is a large, complex organisation working to improve the lives of children and learners. Ofsted collaborates and engages with multiple partners in government, local government and communities.

Ofsted is currently undergoing an ambitious reform programme in response to the Big Listen consultation Hearing feedback, accepting criticism and building a better Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen - GOV.UK, which aims to ensure that the organisation is a modern, world-class inspectorate and regulator – fit for purpose, supporting the outcomes of children and learners, and trusted by stakeholders. Ofsted are committed to an open and transparent culture, fostering a culture of integrity, listening to challenge and taking action to change

Ofsted’s remit includes:

• Early years and childcare
• Children’s and family services
• Schools
• Further education and skills.

The delivery of Ofsted’s work is led by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI), Sir Martyn Oliver. Ofsted’s statutory board, which includes a Chair, Members and HMCI, oversees the strategic direction of Ofsted and holds HMCI to account for the delivery of their objectives, as agreed with the Chair/Board.

Board meetings are held between 4 and 6 times a year. They usually take place in London but may also be held virtually; other events can be held in any of the regions.

For more information on Ofsted, visit www.ofsted.gov.uk.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

Please note: Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria. If applicant numbers are excessive, preliminary sifting will be done using only the first essential criterion. Please make clear throughout your supporting statement which essential criteria you are referring to.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a Chair with proven experience of successfully operating at the most senior levels in the public, voluntary or private sector, to lead Ofsted through a period of significant transformation and reform.

Applicants must be able to evidence the following skills and experience:

1. A track record of success as a leader of strong corporate governance, overseeing the transformation of a large and complex national-level organisation, including proven change management experience.
2. First-rate strategic thinking capabilities. This should include a strong demonstration of sound financial judgement, a clear understanding of value for money and organisational risk management which can be used to steer Ofsted through existing and future challenges.
3. Ability to build and lead a board to drive forward effective decision-making with highly effective communication skills, build strong relationships, inspire confidence and provide effective challenge, scrutiny and support.
4. Ability to work effectively at the most senior level with a diverse range of stakeholders and champion improved outcomes for children, young people and all learners.
5. Evidence of a sound understanding and commitment to equal opportunities and principles of public life.

Desirable criteria

• In-depth knowledge of the sectors where Ofsted operates as an inspectorate and regulator and an understanding of the government’s priorities in this area, and/or experience of inspection/regulatory activity.

• Experience in public communications.

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than two sides of A4.
• a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words.
• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Juliet Chua - Director General, Schools Group, DfE - Designated Departmental Official and Panel Chair.

Lambert Allman - Designated Senior Independent Panel member.

Sir Kevan Collins - DfE’s Lead Non-Executive Board member - member of the Advisory Assessment Panel.

None of the Advisory Assessment Panellists have any political activity to declare.

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact ofstedchair.recruitment@education.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid. 

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.  

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the Ofsted Sponsorship team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application, by emailing ofstedchair.recruitment@education.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

How to complain to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA)

If you are not content with the appointing department’s response you may wish to further complain to the Commissioner at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk.Further information on how the Commissioner handles complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ website https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/regulating-appointments/investigating-complaints/

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

Personal data collected as part of this exercise will be processed in accordance with the Department for Education Privacy Notice. You can access the privacy notice here

Contact details

Should you have any queries, please contact: ofstedchair.recruitment@education.gov.uk