Skills: shared outcomes framework

Annex D: Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) Terms of Reference

Footnote 8

Purpose

The SAAB Group Board will be responsible for providing advice and making recommendations on the guiding principles, operational policy, systems and structures supporting apprenticeships in Scotland. The Group Board will normally meet twice per year.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Group Board’s (GB) main responsibilities are to:

• Strengthen employer input to, and endorsement of, the strategic direction of apprenticeships and work based learning pathways, ensuring that the supporting apprenticeship “system” meets the needs of industry.
• Ensure the alignment of apprenticeships with economic growth and job opportunities.
• Set and maintain the guiding principles for the core requirements of apprenticeship frameworks to achieve a competent, highly skilled and flexible workforce.
• Inform and make recommendations on, and the priorities for, development and continuous improvement activities, including in the area of equalities.
• Provide advice on relevant matters affecting employers and on emerging policy which is likely to impact on the strategic direction of apprenticeships (e.g. the UK Apprenticeship Levy).
• Act as the “custodian” for approved apprenticeship frameworks on behalf of industry
• Be ambassadors for apprenticeships with other businesses and young people

Membership/Composition

The chair of the GB will be a senior industry leader.

The GB will compromise a minimum of 20 members with a membership majority of employers. Members should occupy senior roles within their respective organisations and represent a wide range of sectors.

Representatives from Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland will attend scheduled meetings as observers.

The GB engagement activity and communications will be supported by Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council.