This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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HMIE wins top award
06/12/2001
HM Inspectorate of Education in Scotland has today been
awarded a Charter Mark for excellence in public service,
the first education Inspectorate in the United Kingdom to
win this prestigious award.
The independent judging panel commented on the
exceptionally high quality of service HMIE provides to its
users:
"Our visitor was impressed by the commitment and desire
to provide a quality service, responsive to the needs of
users, which was demonstrated by all staff seen. You can be
justifiably proud of the strides you have made in the short
time since you became an Executive Agency. We are most
impressed by the levels of co-operation and regard that you
achieve with the users who work in the schools you
inspect."
HM Senior Chief Inspector of Douglas Osler said:
"I am delighted that the important work carried out by
my colleagues has been officially recognised by today's
award of a Charter Mark. This is a tribute to everyone
within HMIE.
"During our inspections, we apply rigorous and objective
evaluation to schools and services, and gaining the Charter
Mark demonstrates that we are ready to open our own
services to similar evaluation.
"HMIE is committed to a process of continuous review and
improvement and we will be analysing our award notification
for evidence of areas where we could do better. The award
therefore does not mark the end of a process but an
important landmark along the way to continued
improvement."
Deputy Minister for Education, Nicol Stephen said:
"I am very pleased that everyone involved in HMIE has
had their effort and commitments recognised in this way.
This is an important and well deserved first for an
education inspectorate in the UK. HMIE's role is central to
raising standards and achievement in Scottish education. I
am certain that this award will encourage other
organisations in Scottish education to aim for similar
recognition for their excellence."
The Charter Mark is awarded for a period of three years.
HMIE will receive their Charter Mark at an awards ceremony
in London in February.
HMIE operates independently and impartially as an
Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive.
There are 78 Inspectors (HMI), 65 of whom carry out
inspections of schools and pre-school centres, 64
administrative staff, one press and communications officer
and two statisticians. In addition, there are about 175
Associate Assessors (education professionals) and 100 lay
people (people without an education background).
In the current financial year HMIE plans to inspect
around 310 schools, in addition to 13 Further Education
Colleges, nine community learning centres and six education
authorities.