Appendix 2: Correspondence in advance of the hearing
Letter dated 22 February 2016 from Nick Gibb MP, Minister for Schools, to the Chair
The term of the current Chief Inspector for Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Sir Michael Wilshaw, comes to an end on 31 December 2016.
I am writing to inform you that we will be undertaking a recruitment process for a new Chief Inspector. As this is a Crown appointment it is being conducted in accordance with the requirements set by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the guidance issued by the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Unit. We intend to advertise the role in the week commencing 22 February, following the appointment of search consultants. I attach for your information a copy of the applicant information pack, and officials will explore suitable dates for a pre-appointment hearing with the Committee Clerk.
Letter dated 10 June 2016 from Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education, to the Chair
Recruitment of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills
As you will be aware, we have been undertaking a recruitment process to identify and appoint the next Chief Inspector, ahead of the end of Sir Michael Wilshaw’s term in December 2016. I am now pleased to put forward my preferred candidate, Amanda Spielman, for the Committee’s consideration.
I have chosen Ms Spielman as my preferred candidate because of her impressive breadth of experience across the education sector and her proven commitment to raising standards for children and young people. She co-founded ARK schools; one of the most successful academy chains in the country, which has transformed some of the most underperforming schools in the country. Since 2011 she has been Chair of the exam board regulator Ofqual overseeing a significant and ambitious reform agenda which sees the introduction of an entirely new, more rigorous suite of A-Levels and GCSEs. She is also a trustee of STEMNET, a network which works with thousands of schools, colleges and employers to inspire young people to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
I will ask my Parliamentary Clerk to liaise with the Clerk of the Education Committee to arrange a suitable date for the pre-appointment hearing. Relevant information relating to the recruitment process is set out in the attached annex.
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06 July 2016