Chair of new Advisory Council appointed
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) has announced the appointment of Sir David Bell as Chair of its newly established Advisory Council.
Established under the Education (Scotland) Act 2025, the Advisory Council will provide independent perspectives, external challenge and stakeholder insight to support transparency, accountability and public confidence in Scotland’s education inspection system.
Sir David Bell is Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland. He has held several posts within the education system, including as a primary school teacher, head teacher, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading.
Sir David has also worked across both local and central government in roles including Director of Education and Libraries for Newcastle City Council, Chief Inspector of Schools in England between 2002 and 2005, and Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education from 2006 to 2011.
His non-executive roles have included being Chair of Karbon Homes, a large provider of social housing in the North East of England and Yorkshire, and Vice-Chair of Skills England.
Sir David was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 2011 and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear in 2020.
Commenting on the appointment, Sir David said:
“I am honoured to have been appointed to Chair His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education’s Advisory Council. I know from personal experience that independent and rigorous inspection is a force for good and a crucial element in driving improvement at institutional, local and national level.
“Working with members of the Advisory Council, I hope that I can assist the Chief Inspector and her colleagues in our shared endeavour of ensuring that inspection is trusted, respected and valued within the Scottish education system.”
Ruth Binks, Chief Inspector of Education, said:
“I am delighted that someone of Sir David’s calibre has agreed to chair the Advisory Council. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this very important role, and I will welcome his counsel and wisdom in setting up and steering the Advisory Council. I very much look forward to our future partnership working”.
The Advisory Council will include between 15 and 24 members, representing a broad range of stakeholder groups and interests, in line with the requirements of the Act.
As Chair, Sir David will lead the Council’s work, agree its programme of business and present its advice and recommendations to the Chief Inspector. The appointment is for an initial two-year term, with the possibility of a further extension following review. The Council is expected to meet quarterly.