Alison MacDonald
Head of Strategy @Education Scotland
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Strategy @Education Scotland
Led the development and implementation of a new national target operating model for Scotland’s Education Inspectorate, aligning inspection practice with broader education reform.Provided strategic advice to senior civil servants, shaping national understanding of the purpose and function of inspection.Established and led a new strategy unit, driving improvement planning, communications, and quality assurance reform.Introduced new strategic planning processes to clarify organisational priorities and embed continuous improvement.Created and embedded refreshed approaches to quality assurance and professional learning for HM Inspectors.Appointed National Coordinator for the Standing International Council of Inspectorates, leading international collaboration on inspection reform.Led the development of the Inspectorate’s new communications strategy, including brand, visual identity, and stakeholder engagement.
EDUCATION
University of Glasgow
MA Political Science, International Relations and Affairs
University of Strathclyde
PG Diploma in Education- English and Modern Studies, Secondary Education and Teaching
Robert Gordon University
MSc Applied Psychology, Developmental and Child Psychology
UHI Moray
Certificate in Counselling, Coaching
UHI
Scottish Qualification for Headship, Critical Thinking
ABOUT ALISON MACDONALD
Senior Strategic Leader Head of Strategy, HM Inspectorate of Education Head of Strategy at HM Inspectorate of Education in Scotland, I lead national education reform, directing strategic transformation to improve outcomes for children and young people. I specialise in creating clarity, coherence and measurable impact across complex systems through strong relationships, collaborative leadership and clear communication.I’ve led major national transitions, including the strategic separation of the Inspectorate from Education Scotland. My experience spans teaching, senior roles in local government, and national inspection, giving me deep expertise in evaluation, governance, policy design and delivery. I represent the Inspectorate at senior government level and internationally, contributing to global conversations on education improvement through the Standing International Council of Inspectorates.I am a calm, grounded and values-led leader, focused on trust, integrity and practical action. I empower high-performing teams, build cross-sector partnerships, and drive sustainable, system-wide change.Key strengths:Strategic leadership in complex environmentsEvidence-based decision making and policy deliveryTrusted relationships across government, inspection and educationClear, confident communication at national and international level
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