Education Scotland Corporate Plan for 2026 to 2031: Our governance framework
Education Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, now operating, as the national body for curriculum in Scottish education. As an agency, it remains part of the Scottish Government and is accountable to Scottish Ministers, while exercising professional and operational independence in delivery of its functions.
Education Scotland serves as Scotland’s national curriculum agency, leading curriculum design, delivery, and ongoing improvement. It builds on existing national leadership professional learning programmes, works in partnership to inform approaches to wellbeing, inclusion, additional support for learning, relationships, and behaviour, while strengthening the system’s focus on equity. Through this work, it plays a central role in supporting a coherent, inclusive education system and curriculum where all learners can flourish. The organisation is operating within a period of education reform with the aim of strengthening curriculum, inspection, and qualifications functions. As part of this reform, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) separated from Education Scotland in April 2026.
Governance structures are essential to ensure we operate effectively, transparently and in line with our strategic aims. They provide a clear framework for decision making, accountability, and oversight, helping to ensure priorities are delivered and resources are used appropriately, with best value at the forefront. These arrangements support strong performance management, effective risk management and alignment with national policy and objectives.
As an Executive Agency, Education Scotland operates impartially while remaining directly accountable to Scottish Ministers for its performance and use of public funds. Education Scotland’s Chief Executive is designated as the Accountable Officer. In this role, the Chief Executive is responsible and accountable for proper, efficient, and effective use of public resources allocated to the Agency and ensuring robust governance, financial management and internal control systems.
An Advisory Board supports our Chief Executive and organisation. The Advisory Board’s role is to provide advice to the Chief Executive about discharging her functions and comprises of Executive and Non-Executive members. The Chief Executive appoints the Non-Executive Board Members to bring an independent, external perspective to the work of the Agency. There are also shared governance structures with HMIE, including a Shared Services Board, Partnership Board and Joint Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee. Education Scotland’s own governance framework continues to operate but is being reviewed to ensure it supports our new ways of working.
