Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Scottish Qualifications Authority Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills today announced the appointment of Shirley Rogers as Chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority Board. It is the intention of Scottish Ministers that she will, subject to the agreement of the Scottish Parliament to the necessary legislation, transfer to the new qualifications body when it is established.

Announcement

Chair

Shirley Rogers was NHS Scotland’s Chief People Officer for a decade and led the Scottish Government’s Performance and Delivery functions. Before joining the Scottish Government, Shirley was a Health Board Director in NHS Scotland and prior to that, she has worked in Central Government, the Police Service and in the private sector. She is formerly vice chair of Borders College. Shirley Rogers lives in Peebles and is a graduate of Newcastle University from which she holds a BA (Hons) and a Masters Degree. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and in 2020 she was awarded the HPMA Lifetime achievement award for people management.

Appointment

This appointment to the SQA will run from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2027 or until the SQA is replaced by the new qualifications body.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment to the SQA is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £373.92 per day for a time commitment of 72 days per financial year.

Other ministerial appointments

Shirley Rogers is Chair of the Scottish Public Pensions Agency, for which she receives remuneration of £240 per day, for a time commitment of 10 to 15 days per year.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Shirley Rogers has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

SQA is Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body. It is an executive non-departmental public body that 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 Act 2002. SQA develops, maintains, and improves qualifications gained at Scotland’s schools, colleges, employers and training providers.