Efficiency and independence of education inspectors crucial for quality in education, OSCE conference highlights

SARAJEVO, 22 October 2014 – A two-day regional conference of education inspectors organized by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded today in Sarajevo.

The Conference gathered some 40 inspectors from Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia and BiH who addressed the preventive role of education inspection, a model being implemented regionally, and shared best practices from a legal and practical perspective. The Conference also made progress towards establishing a regional network of education inspectors.

“Inspectors are fundamental to a well-functioning education system, as they are the first control mechanism against any violation, misinterpretation or non-application of laws,” said Nina Suomalainen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “They are critical to sustainable reform and oversight, and should be as professional, accountable and effective as possible.”

Key recommendations of the Conference, which will be shared with the relevant authorities, point to the need for continued regional co-operation among education inspectors, with the main goal of establishing a standing conference. Regional activities, such as bilateral meetings, trainings and seminars, would include a focus on international conventions and their application while fostering a preventive role of education inspectors.

The OSCE Mission actively works with education inspectors to strengthen their efficiency, impartiality and independence.