A senior officer is set to leave Inverclyde Council to become Scotland’s new chief inspector of education, it has been announced.
Ruth Binks, corporate director of education, communities and organisation development, will take up her new role at the end of March.
During her career, Ms Binks worked as a professional musician before becoming a classroom teacher and head teacher.
She joined the local authority in 2015 as head of education before being appointed corporate director in 2018.
Ms Binks said: “It has been a real privilege to work in Inverclyde as part of a team who are fully committed to getting the very best for the area and I will miss the area and the people hugely.
“My ever-widening remit over the years has allowed me to work closely with talented colleagues and volunteers from different disciplines to successfully deliver a variety of different projects.
“Everything we have delivered has been down to teamwork and people working in partnership. I give heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in these teams and thank you to everyone for your support over the years.
“It is no secret that my passion for achieving excellence and reducing inequalities for our young people is at the heart of everything I do.
“That’s why I’m excited to be taking on this new role of chief inspector of education which will allow me to continue to pursue this passion, striving to get the very best for every young person regardless of their background.”
The appointment was confirmed at the Scottish Parliament’s education, children and young people committee on Wednesday.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, the council’s convener of the education and communities committee, paid tribute to Ms Binks who he described as an “excellent corporate director”.
He added: “She has achieved so much individually and collectively alongside her dedicated and hard-working teams to improve the lives of children, young people and families across Inverclyde.
“Above all else, Ruth is a thoroughly decent person and cares deeply about her staff and the people of Inverclyde.
“It’s testament to Ruth as a person and as a professional that she has been appointed as HM chief inspector of education in Scotland and entrusted with this important role to improve our country’s education system.”
