Public appointment: Interim Member appointed to the Scottish Qualifications Authority Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills today announced the appointment of John Morton as an interim Member of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Member

John is a communications consultant with over 30 years’ experience working with public and private sector organisations to deliver successful corporate communications strategies. He has supported successful organisational change programmes across health, technology and fire safety sectors in the UK. His four children were all educated in the Scottish school system.

Appointment

This appointment will be for one year and will run from 6 May 2024 to 5 May 2025.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £231.18 per day for a time commitment of up to twenty-three days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Mr Morton does not hold any other public appointments.

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.

Mr Morton has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The 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. The SQA’s remit and functions are set out in the Education (Scotland) Act 1996, as amended by the Scottish Qualifications Act 2002. The SQA develops, maintains and improves qualifications gained at Scotland’s schools, colleges, employers and training providers.

The then-Cabinet Secretary announced on 9th March 2022 the intention to replace the SQA with a new qualifications body. The SQA will continue to deliver its functions until the new body is established, ensuring continuity for learners.