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Scottish Qualifications Authority
06/10/2008
Maureen Watt, Minister for Schools and Skills, today announced that Susan Walsh and James Edgar have been appointed to the Board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Welcoming the appointments, Ms Watt said:
"I am delighted that Susan Walsh and James Edgar have agreed to become members of the SQA Board. Between them they bring a wealth of experience in further education and financial management which will be invaluable to the Board in meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead."
Susan Walsh is the Principal and Chief Executive of Cardonald College, Glasgow. Until recently she was Principal of Stevenson College, Edinburgh. Susan is a Board member of the Scottish Further Education Unit and Lead Principal for Scotland's Colleges on Health, Social Services and Early Education. She has also previously been a Board Member of Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and the Lothians.
James Edgar is a Chartered Management Accountant with significant experience of finance and operational roles in the public sector. Jim has recent non-executive experience in the Further Education sector having served eight years as a Board Member at Stevenson College, Edinburgh, including four as Chair. He is also active in the voluntary sector promoting and developing children and youth in sporting endeavour, particularly football and golf.
The appointments will be for 4 years from September 1, 2008 until August 31, 2012. The posts are part-time and attract an annual remuneration of £4,439 for a minimum time commitment of 23 days per year.
The SQA is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body established under the Education (Scotland) Act 1996. It is responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees in Scotland.
These Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
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. Neither Susan Walsh, nor James Edgar have declared any political activity within the last five years.