New SQA chief executive outlines pledges for first 100 days
Nick Page was announced as the chief executive of the body last month following the resignation of Fiona Robertson earlier this year.
The SQA will scrapped in December and replaced with a new body called Qualifications Scotland, which Mr Page will also lead.
Launching his leadership on Monday, the former teacher committed to a number of pledges for his first 100 days as leader, and the final days of the SQA.
He said his promises mark the start of a 'new era of collaboration, transparency, and opportunity'.
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Mr Page said: 'The Education (Scotland) Bill has given us real momentum and a clear sense of direction. Learners and educators want to know how change will happen and how it will make a positive difference for them.
'That's why we are setting out these key actions for the next 100 days – so people can see and feel the progress we are making, both in the way we work and in the outcomes we deliver.'
Among his key pledges is a promise to launch the new Schools Unit to bring organisations closer to the classroom and improve support for teachers and pupils.
Mr Page has committed to building new partnerships with industry, employers and the third sector to ensure skills-based qualifications are fit for the future.
He has promised to accelerate the transformation of the SQA to ensure the new body is ready from day one.
The chief executive said he will also expand the 'Your Voice' campaign to under-represented groups, including industry, the third sector and political stakeholders to ensure the success of Qualifications Scotland.
And he committed to supporting the development of new statutory committees and charters to deliver the Education (Scotland) Bill – the legislation which abolished the SQA.
He has also promised to share progress of the SQA's digital transformation, which aims to streamline the body and make it fit for the future.
Mr Page said discussions during the Education (Scotland) Bill process revealed confusion about the full scope of SQA's work, including accreditation, awarding, quality assurance and regulation.
'We've heard the concerns, and we're acting on them,' he said. 'Over the next 100 days, we'll work hard to raise awareness and understanding of what we deliver and the value that brings.
'That includes making it clear how our independent functions operate, how we deliver and measure performance, and explaining the strengthened independence and governance of accreditation.'
He added: 'Together, we can ensure that Qualifications Scotland is a model of inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
'The success of these key actions – and all the positive change we strive for – depends entirely on the skills, dedication, and professionalism of our people, working in partnership across the education and skills community.
'On my first day as chief executive, I want to thank every member of every team for their ongoing commitment.
'It is their expertise and experience that will give learners, educators, and the public confidence in the work we do now and in the future of qualifications in Scotland.'
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