Public appointment: Member appointment extended to the Scottish Qualifications Authority Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills today announced an extension to the appointment of Seán Hagney as a Member of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Member

Seán Hagney brings 30 years of experience within education in Scotland. Currently Head Teacher of St Johns RC Academy, Dundee and former Head Teacher and Campus Leader of St Johns RC Academy and North Inch Community Campus in Perth until 2021, he has held a wide range of SQA appointee posts, including as a marker and Convener of an Assessment Panel. He was a development officer and team leader with Learning and Teaching Scotland within the Assessment, Achievement and National Qualification team from 2008-10. Within schools, he has experience as an SQA coordinator, working closely with the SQA to ensure successful exam diets. Seán has been an SQA Board member since 2016, is a member of the SQA Qualifications Committee and Vice-Convener of the Advisory Council.

Appointment

This extension will be for one year and six months and will run from 1 August 2024 to 31 January 2026 or until the SQA is replaced by a new Qualifications Body.

This extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This extension 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 Hagney 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 Hagney 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 9 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.