Independent Adjudicator

About the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)

ISI is an independent not-for-profit organisation appointed by the Department for Education to inspect and report against statutory standards for independent schools. We assure standards across a diverse range of more than 1,300 schools that make up the membership of the Independent Schools Council, educating more than 500,000 children in England. We also promote understanding of and positive engagement with the school inspection process and quality assurance.

Our inspection complaints policies include the opportunity for the final stage of a complaint about an inspection to be referred to an Independent Adjudicator.

ISI is seeking suitably qualified individuals to join its pool of Independent Adjudicators, available to accept work from 2 nd February 2026. Members of this pool will be engaged to review qualifying complaints relating to inspections. Independent Adjudicators are appointed by the ISI board as they are deemed to be entirely independent of our internal processes for complaints.

Purpose of the Role:

As part of the final stage (stage 3) of a complaint, if requested by the complainant in accordance with ISI's complaints policies, to:

• Review all relevant evidence previously considered as part of the complaint in question Provide an adjudication decision in writing, to the complainant, with reasons, whether: ISI handled the complaint properly under its policy and/or ISI reached a reasonable decision in response to the complaint.

Provide relevant feedback and any recommendations for ISI in addition to the adjudication.

Person Specification

Successful applicants will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Significant experience and understanding of complaint handling and/or quality assurance
• Proven ability to synthesise and analyse large amounts of complex information The ability to make reasoned judgements and write reports with clarity, accuracy and independence
• An understanding of the confidential and sensitive nature of the work and commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Experience of producing reports or letters that provide comprehensive, well-structured analysis
• Knowledge of principles and best practice in complaint handling
• The ability to work to tight deadlines
• Independence of ISI. The role is therefore not open to any inspector for, employee of, or person currently or previously providing services other than complaints adjudication to ISI. Additionally, the role is not open to candidates with any personal or professional connection to an ISI Director, Senior Director or Board members.

Experience in an education setting is not essential, as ISI would welcome diversity within this pool.

Terms of appointment

The independent adjudicators will be independent contractors with service level agreements paid on a daily or part daily rate of £600. The length of time allocated for individual adjudication will be decided on a case-by-case basis, though this is typically one to two days.

Applicants should have the capacity to provide a minimum of 12 days' work per year and will work from home. Inclusion as a member of the pool of Independent Adjudicators is not a guarantee of work.

Applicants will need to have a clear basic DBS check and adverse media screening as part of the appointment process, which will be paid for by ISI.

Successful applicants will be required to attend induction training in person, refresher training and evaluation meetings from time to time (in person and/or online) and any meetings (in person and/or online) as required. These will be included in the minimum days' work per year and will be paid at the daily rate.

Recruitment Process

If you would like to apply for this position, please apply directly through the Guardian with:

• your CV: to include details of your present (or last) employment and reason for leaving full employment history including employed and voluntary work reasons for any gaps in employment details of your qualifications confirmation of no connection to ISI
• a covering letter of no more than two sides, outlining the personal qualities and experience you believe are relevant to the post and how you meet each element of the person and role specifications.

Deadline for receipt of applications: Friday 2 nd January 2025.

The interview process will consist of two stages. Applicants who meet the person and role criteria will be invited to attend an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing Monday, 12 January 2026. Candidates who progress beyond the interview stage will be asked to complete a written task as part of the final assessment.