New Chair to lead transition from SQA

A new Chair will be recruited to lead the transition of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to a new qualifications body.

The candidate will take over initially as SQA Chair when David Middleton leaves at the end of August when his current term of appointment ends.

Subject to Parliamentary approval of Scottish Government reform plans, the new chair will subsequently transfer to the successor qualifications body when it replaces the SQA.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:   

“Visionary and resilient leadership is essential for the SQA and its successor organisation. It is my intention that the new Chair of the SQA will transfer to become Chair of the new body. This approach will provide new leadership during the crucial transition period, allowing the new qualifications body to take full advantage of the changes in culture and governance necessitated by the Scottish Government’s education reform programme.

“The reforms will also be shaped by the National Discussion, the findings of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment and the Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape.

“I am very grateful to David Middleton for the skills, experience and expertise that he has brought to his role as SQA Chair. I have valued his leadership of the SQA’s board.”

Background

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The incoming SQA Chair will be appointed through an open, merit-based appointment process. The post is expected to be advertised in May, with the incoming Chair taking up the post in September 2023.

The Education (Scotland) Bill, which is expected to be introduced in this Parliamentary session, will provide for the establishment of a new public body responsible for qualifications in Scotland.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new qualifications body is expected to be operational by autumn 2024.