Retirement of Ken Muir, Chief Executive and Registrar of the GTCS

That the Parliament notes that Ken Muir retires on 12 March 2021 from his post as Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), which is the body responsible for promoting professional standards and regulating the teaching profession; understands that Ken began his 42-year career as a teacher of Geography, Geology and Modern Studies in Ayrshire and has held various senior posts over this time; notes that, prior to his appointment in 2013, Ken worked for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and, at different points in his 10 years as Chief Inspector of Education, he had responsibility for inspection and review in pre-school centres and nursery classes, primary and secondary schools, independent schools, pre- and post-registration of schools, school care and accommodation services, colleges, prison inspections and initial teacher education; understands that Ken has built up a wide network of Scottish, UK and worldwide contacts in schools, local authorities, professional associations, universities and education bodies, and that he is an Executive member of the International Forum of Teacher Regulatory Authorities (IFTRA); acknowledges that Ken has also engaged in EU, UNESCO and World Bank projects to support the introduction of professional standards and learning systems in the Middle East and developing countries; recognises that, in his time in post as Chief Executive and Registrar of GTCS, Ken has led a major modernising programme at Clerwood House to ensure that the organisation adopts best regulatory practice, truly transforms educational professionalism and inspires world-class learning; thanks Ken for his work, and wishes him all the best in his retirement.