§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will place in the Library copies of advertisements for the post of chief inspector of schools together with the job description and contract of employment and the minimum period in respect of the current terms of office or the renewal of contract; and what(a) advice and (b) instructions were issued by her to the panel which appointed the present incumbent. [8253]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe chief inspector of schools is appointed by Order in Council, under the provisions of the Education (Schools) Act 1992, on similar terms and conditions as apply to other senior public appointments. The Education (Schools) Act 1992 specifies a term of appointment of not more than five years, with the possibility of re-appointment after that period.
The present chief inspector, Chris Woodhead, applied for the post through open competition and was appointed following consideration of the applicants by a selection board. The board was chaired by the first civil service commissioner. The appointment is for five years from 1 September 1994. A copy of the advertisement and job description for the post has been placed in the Library. The chief inspector's contract of employment is personal between him and the Department.