Appointment of Members to the Board of Skills Development Scotland
Appointment of Members to the Board of Skills Development Scotland
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Job Description
ROLE SUMMARY
The Minister for Higher and Further Education and Veterans seeks to appoint five highly experienced and passionate individuals with leadership skills to the Board of Skills Development Scotland from 8 January 2026. In doing so the Minister recognises the wealth of expertise and knowledge across all communities and sectors and welcomes applications representing the diversity in Scotland.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) responsible to Scottish Ministers. SDS is Scotlands national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills through services including the national careers service and administering Scottish apprenticeships. SDS plays a critical role working with service users employers and training providers across the country in schools careers centres and partner locations.
Scotland is home to one of the worlds most respected and advanced post-school education sectors with over half a million learners participating in diverse programmes across our colleges universities and private training provider network every year. This system is key to delivering the economic transformation that will improve the lives of individuals and communities across Scotland while also enhancing our global reach and impact.
The Scottish Governments priorities for SDS and the national outcomes it contributes to are set out in an annual letter of guidanceand align with strategies set by the Scottish Government.
The role of the Board is to provide leadership direction support and guidance and ensure SDS delivers and is committed to delivering its functions effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the aims policies and priorities of the Scottish Ministers.
You will be expected to adhere to SDSs Code of Conduct which is available here.
Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES
- ensuring that the public body delivers its functions in accordance with Scottish Ministers policies and priorities
- providing strategic leadership
- ensuring financial stewardship
- holding the Chief Executive and senior management team to account
Qualifications
Scottish Ministers welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the following skills/knowledge/experience:
At least one of the following priority criteria:
- Leadership experience and knowledge of the role of the post-school education and skills system and its impact on the economy and society including local government/local authorities and their needs.
- Experience and knowledge of working closely with business and industry across the UK to develop a diverse and skilled workforce.
All applicants must also provide evidence of the following essential criteria:
- Strong knowledge of good governance.
- Experience of managing performance.
- Experience of managing organisational change and transformation.
- Ability to work as an effective Board member through working collaboratively with influence.
Consideration will also be given to candidates who do not meet any of the priority criteria but meet all the essential criteria and where they can demonstrate a breadth of knowledge or expertise that would enhance the Board overall.
To find out more about being a Board Member and about Skills Development Scotland please download the candidate information pack.
Remuneration is non-pensionable and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
LOCATION
Board meetings are held in person at the SDS head office in Glasgow with occasional travel to other sites across Scotland.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 11 August 2025 and will be conductedvirtually over Microsoft Teams.
It is unlikely that we will be able to offer alternative interview dates.
HOW TO APPLY
will be asked to upload a supporting statement that evidences at least one of the priority and all the essential criteria. This must be no more than 300 words for each criterion you are addressing. You must include this in order to apply for this role.
will be asked to upload a tailored career life/history. You must include this in order to apply for this role.
Completed applications must be received on or before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
Please note that we recommend you follow the How to Apply section of the candidate information pack as you complete your application.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if require further support with your application please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at .
Guidance to support applicants is here: Public appointments - ()
Employment Type
Full Time
