Appointment of Members to the Board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority

We are seeking up to five members to join the Board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (“SQA”) is Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body. It is an executive non-departmental public body which reports to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. SQA’s remit and functions are set out in the Education (Scotland) Act 1996 as amended by the Scottish Qualifications Authority Act 2002.  The organisation has two main roles: accreditation and awarding qualifications.

The Scottish Government is taking forward extensive reforms in education, including the creation of a new qualifications body – Qualifications Scotland. The Bill to establish Qualifications Scotland was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 4 June 2024. SQA remains Scotland’s qualifications and awarding body and will continue to deliver its functions to ensure consistency and continuity for Scotland’s learners until the new body is established.  While these appointments will be initially to SQA, new members are expected to join the inaugural Board of Qualifications Scotland when it is created.

We are looking for enthusiastic, forward-thinking professionals to help SQA navigate the change needed to shape the new organisation while continuing to deliver for learners now. We value very highly the benefits of having different experience and perspectives on the Board and we are keen that people from ‘all walks of life’ apply. We welcome applications from women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and people from minority ethnic communities.

The successful applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of one of the following priority criteria:

• working in partnership to deliver change; or
• knowledge and experience of financial management, audit and risk; or
• experience of working in education and driving change and improvement.

 They will also need to demonstrate all of the following essential criteria:

• seeing the bigger picture;
• informed decision-making;
• teamwork; and
• constructive challenge.

 Although not essential, it would be desirable if applicants demonstrate one of the following:

• understanding of the current context of education in Scotland;
• communications and engagement;
• digital;
• supporting change;
• resilience.

 Time Commitment and Remuneration

The time commitment is up to 23 days per annum. Appointments are non-pensionable and attract a remuneration of £231.18 per day.

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download the applicants pack - SQA Applicant information pack
2. Click on the blue button that says ‘apply for this job online’ link at the top right-hand side of this advert.
3. Complete the information required on the website which requires contact details, monitoring information and the declaration of interest.
4. Download and complete this application form (word document) - SQA Application form
5. Return the completed application form to: PA_Applications_Mailbox@gov.scot by 5pm on Monday 22 July 2024.

If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if you require further support with your application, please contact the Public Appointments Team on 0300 244 1898 or email at PA_Applications_Mailbox@gov.scot.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions.
• Guidance to support applicants for public appointments is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

 Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.