Appointment of members to the board of Qualifications Scotland

On Wednesday 25 June 2025 the Education (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament. The Bill will replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority with a new body: Qualifications Scotland. It also sets out plans for a new inspector of education.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills now seeks to appoint six new members to the inaugural board of Qualifications Scotland.
This is a unique opportunity for skilled and forward-thinking individuals with fresh perspectives to have a key role in shaping the new organisation and in the delivery of the Scottish Government’s extensive education reforms in the years ahead.
Qualifications Scotland will ensure that the knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of Scotland’s qualifications offering. Key to its success will be a strong and responsive Board which reflects the needs and interests of the education sector.
Responsibilities
Board members will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of Qualifications Scotland, including its Executive Management Team. They will also work towards the overall aim for Qualifications Scotland to be more responsive and accountable to the needs of its stakeholders, particularly learners and teachers. It will help to make sure that Qualifications Scotland’s policies and services are aligned with ministers vision for reform to the qualifications, education and skills system.
Qualifications Scotland’s board members will prepare for, attend and positively contribute to meetings of Qualifications Scotland and associated committees. They will assist in the development, approval and monitoring of the new Learner and Teacher Charters, as well as the Corporate Plan and take forward their respective strategic aims and objectives.
More information on the responsibilities of board members is available in the applicant information pack.
ROLE CRITERIA
Applications are sought from those who meet one of the following criteria:

• Education professionals, particularly school or college teachers registered with the GTCS;
• People with knowledge of the interests of learners;
• Individuals with knowledge of skills needs and training in business; and
• Individuals with experience of workplace and employee relations

And All Of The Following Criteria

• Seeing the bigger picture
• Constructive challenge
• Good governance

More information on the criteria for appointment is available in the applicant information pack.
To Apply For These Roles, Follow These Instructions

• Download and save the applicant information pack to refer to.
• Read the ‘person specification’ and ‘how to apply’ section in the pack, and complete this application form accordingly, noting the word limits.
• Save a copy of your completed form to your device as a PDF.
• Navigate back to this job advert and click ‘apply’.
• Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
• Attach your PDFs and submit your application by 12.00, Thursday 14 August 2025.

PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click ‘submit’ . You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application.
Late applications, and those without a completed application form, cannot be considered by the panel .
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
These positions attract a remuneration rate of £238.18 per day, plus reasonable expenses. The time commitment is an average of 23 days annually. Members will be expected to attend all board meetings unless otherwise agreed with the chair. Qualifications Scotland will have a number of committees: Audit Committee, Accreditation Committee, Learner Interest Committee, Teacher and Practitioner Interest Committee, Qualifications Committee, People Committee, and the Strategic Advisory Council. Members will be required to attend meetings of Qualifications Scotland’s committees as agreed with the chair.
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.
Scottish ministers particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as women, disabled people, those from minority ethnic communities, and people aged under 50. The public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants.
Find out more about our commitment todiversityand how we offer and supportrecruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or further support with your application, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at
About Us
Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner. #J-18808-Ljbffr