At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to drive transformative change in Scotland's education and skills sector.
- Company: Scottish Funding Council, committed to enhancing education and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, flexible commitment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds encouraged; apply by 22 June 2026 for this impactful role.
- Why this job: Be a leader in shaping Scotland's future and supporting learners across the nation.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial stewardship, innovation, or organisational change is essential.
The predicted salary is between 13595 - 13595 £ per year.
To provide further insight into the role of the Board and the opportunities ahead for the Scottish Funding Council, you may wish to watch a short video message from the Chair, Professor Cara Aitchison.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education seeks to appoint up to five highly experienced and passionate leaders to the Board of the Scottish Funding Council. In doing so, the Minister recognises the wealth of expertise and knowledge across all communities and sectors and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is investing in Scotland’s future. If you have a desire to make a significant difference in the lives of learners and are passionate about driving transformative change and improvement across our post-school education and skills sector, providing leadership, guidance and assurance across SFC and the sector, you are encouraged to apply for this important role.
The Scottish Funding Council is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) responsible to Scottish Ministers for developing and sustaining a world-leading system of tertiary education, research, innovation and skills. This system is key to delivering the economic transformation that will improve the lives of individuals and communities across Scotland while also enhancing our global reach and impact.
Scotland is home to one of the world’s most respected and advanced post-school education sectors with over half a million learners participating in diverse programmes across our 43 colleges and universities every year.
Following the passage of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act, in April next year, responsibility for providing national training programmes, including apprenticeships, will move from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to SFC. The Act also confers new duties on SFC and makes changes to its governance. With the Scottish Government having embarked upon a multi-year transformational journey of the post-school education and skills landscape, this is a challenging and rewarding time to join SFC. These appointments are not about maintaining ‘business as usual’ and you will play a leading role in driving change and transformation across SFC, as it works with institutions, training providers and the business community to deliver for learners.
The role of the Board is to provide leadership, direction, support and guidance and ensure the SFC delivers, and is committed to delivering, its functions effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the aims, policies and priorities of the Scottish Ministers. As a member of the SFC Board, you will play a leading role in ensuring SFC supports Scottish Ministers’ reform priorities, and that change is promoted positively within the organisation and the post-school sector. You will play a role in leading SFC through a period of significant change, driving cultural change and transformation as SFC increases in size and takes on additional functions.
Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensuring that the public body delivers its functions in accordance with Scottish Ministers’ policies and priorities
- Providing strategic leadership
- Ensuring financial stewardship
- Holding the Chief Executive and senior management team to account
Further information about the role and the board can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.
Qualifications
ROLE CRITERIA
Scottish Ministers welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the following skills/knowledge/experience:
- At least one of the following priority criteria:
- Knowledge and experience of high-level financial stewardship in relation to organisations of scale and complexity.
- Knowledge and experience of research and innovation, and its role in driving economic growth.
- Knowledge and experience of business and industry in Scotland or across the UK and of developing and implementing sector change or transformation.
- Knowledge and experience of apprenticeships and workplace learning.
- Knowledge and experience of People and Culture transformation at senior leadership level.
Applicants must also provide evidence of the following essential criteria:
- Ability to work as an effective Board member through working collaboratively with influence.
- Experience of managing performance.
- Experience of managing organisational change and transformation.
- Ability to champion equality and diversity at Board level.
To find out more about being a Non-Executive Board Member and about the Scottish Funding Council please download the candidate information pack.
ABOUT US
Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
The position is for 3 days per month and will be remunerated at £377.65 for every day of not less than 7.5 hours devoted to performing your functions (as required or requested by the Board) on a pro rata basis, up to a maximum total fee of £13,595.40 per financial year. Remuneration is non-pensionable and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
LOCATION
Board and Committee meetings are held in person and via Microsoft Teams. Some Board meetings are held at institutions across Scotland.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 6 July 2026 and will be conducted virtually over Microsoft Teams. It is unlikely that we will be able to offer alternative interview dates.
HOW TO APPLY
Download the candidate information pack. This will explain more about the role, the board and the application process. Click the ‘apply now’ link at the top of the advert. As part of the online application process, you will need to complete the personal information section, and then upload the following:
- Complete the questions relating to political activity and any conflicts of interest.
- You will then be asked to supply evidence to answer at least one of the Priority Criteria questions; if you do not complete this, your application cannot be considered.
- Please note that if you are applying under Priority Criteria 1 you should upload a copy of your certification as an attachment.
- You should also submit a tailored life/career history. This should be no more than 2 pages, of no less than font-size 11, and tailored to the role and the Essential Criteria set out in the table above. This will be used by the panel in conjunction with your answers to the Priority Criteria to provide evidence against each of the criteria listed.
Completed applications must be received on or before 12.00 noon on Monday 22 June 2026. Please note that we recommend you follow the ‘How to Apply’ section of the candidate information pack as you complete your application. 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 by email at public.appointments@gov.scot.
EQUALITY STATEMENT
Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
FURTHER INFORMATION
FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions. Guidance to support applicants is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). If you experience any difficulties, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at Public.appointments@gov.scot.
Appointment of up to Five Members to the Board of the Scottish Funding Council employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Funding Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that champions transformative change in Scotland's education sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, board members will have the unique opportunity to influence the future of post-school education while collaborating with passionate leaders across various sectors. This role not only offers competitive remuneration but also allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on learners' lives throughout Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Appointment of up to Five Members to the Board of the Scottish Funding Council
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Scottish Funding Council inside out! Watch that video from Professor Cara Aitchison and dive into their mission. Understanding their goals will help you connect your experience to what they need.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former board members, or anyone involved with the SFC. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your skills align with their priorities. Be ready to discuss your experience in financial stewardship or organisational change, as these are key areas for them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Appointment of up to Five Members to the Board of the Scottish Funding Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your life/career history to highlight how your experience aligns with the role and essential criteria. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Board!
Showcase Your Passion:Don’t just list your qualifications; let us know why you’re passionate about driving change in Scotland’s education sector. Share your vision and how you plan to contribute to the SFC's mission.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Follow the Guidelines:Make sure to follow the 'How to Apply' section in the candidate information pack closely. This will help ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of the Board and the Scottish Funding Council. Familiarise yourself with their mission, recent initiatives, and the challenges they face. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Board member, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in areas like financial stewardship or organisational change. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to driving transformative change.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The role requires effective collaboration with other Board members and stakeholders. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to influence and work well with diverse groups, as this is key to ensuring the SFC meets its objectives.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the SFC's future direction and the Board's role in it. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about their vision for the post-school education sector and how they plan to implement changes.
