The author of the high profile Sutherland Inquiry into the late results of National Curriculum Tests has been appointed as the new chair of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors (CIEA).

Lord Stewart Sutherland brings vast experience of the education sector to his new role at the CIEA, the body dedicated to improving the skills levels of all those involved in assessment. In December 2008, he published the Sutherland Inquiry into the late delivery of last summer's key stage 2 and key stage 3 National Curriculum Test results. One of the key recommendations of Lord Sutherland's report was to give teachers and markers a greater say in future marking set-up.

Lord Sutherland, who was Chief Inspector of Schools in England between 1992 and 1994, said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of CIEA chair at such an interesting time for assessment. With increasing government focus on assessment through the Assessment for Learning strategy and single level testing, there is currently a huge opportunity for assessment to fulfil its vital role in the education of today's learners."

David Wright, chief executive of the CIEA, said: "The Institute whole-heartedly welcomes the appointment of Lord Sutherland as chair. This is an exciting era for assessment and our new chair brings a wealth of experience and expertise to support the great strides being made by the CIEA to improve standards of assessment in schools and colleges in England."

David added: "We very much look forward to working closely with Lord Sutherland to reach our goals in the further professionalisation of assessment for the benefit of the whole assessment community".

During his career, Lord Sutherland has held roles as Principal of King's College London (1985-90); Vice-Chancellor of the University of London (1990) and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh (1994-2002). He has published studies on higher education and served as a member of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (1995-2001).

In recognition of his achievements, Lord Sutherland has received numerous distinctions, including 10 honorary degrees from European and American universities. An elected Fellow of the British Academy, he holds honorary fellowships from King's College London; Corpus Christi Cambridge and the University College of North Wales.

Lord Sutherland has been a company member of the CIEA since its inception as IEA in 2006. In honour of the support he has afforded to the Institute he was awarded the designation of Companion of the CIEA in April 2008.