This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New chair appointed to SQA
26/08/2004
John McCormick, the former BBC Scotland Controller, has
been appointed as the new chair of the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Originally a history teacher, Mr McCormick moved into
educational broadcasting with the BBC in Scotland in 1970
where he has held several other senior posts including
Secretary and Head of Corporate Affairs.
He was also Secretary of the BBC in London between 1987
and 1992 responsible to the Chair and Director General for
managing the business of - and the relationships between -
the Board of Governors and the Board of Management; the
BBC's overall accountability and the BBC's links with its
sponsoring Government department.
As Controller of BBC Scotland, Mr McCormick was
responsible for all BBC activities in Scotland.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"The chairmanship of SQA is a key post at the heart of
Scotland's education and training system. I believe that,
in attracting such a high calibre chairman as John
McCormick, the SQA is further demonstrating that it has not
only turned the corner but is an organisation looking to
the future with confidence.
"John McCormick brings a wealth of relevant experience
to the SQA, both from his roles in managing a complex
organisation such as BBC Scotland and as an excellent
communicator."
Mr McCormick said:
"I am looking forward to succeeding Sir John Ward as
Chairman of the SQA, making a contribution to SQA's
development as it moves forward and helping to build on its
recent achievements."
This appointment will be for four years and will run
from September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2008. The post is
part-time and attracts a remuneration of £12,645 for a time
commitment of four days per month.
The SQA is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body
established under the Education (Scotland) Act 1996 as
amended by the Scottish Qualifications Authority Act 2002.
It is responsible for the development, accreditation,
assessment, and certification of qualifications other than
degrees in Scotland.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in
accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office
of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland.
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 (if there is any to be declared) to be
made public.
Mr McCormick declared no political activity. Mr
McCormick is currently a member of Scottish Screen, a
public appointment which attracts no remuneration.