New report highlights strong foundations in place to put learners at heart of Qualifications Scotland
Thursday 3 April 2025
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has published its first Consumer Duty Report detailing its work to put learners, schools, colleges and customers at the heart of its decision-making.
The report highlights the organisation’s proactive steps to place consumer interests at the heart of its strategic decisions, building strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, which will replace SQA as the new national awarding body later this year.
Three key points:
- SQA has published its first Consumer Duty Report, reinforcing its legal commitment to consider consumer impact.
- Our Prospectus for Change is central to rebuilding trust, improving services, and meeting evolving needs.
- Learner and stakeholder insights are informing meaningful changes through ‘Your Voice’ panels and wider engagement.
John Booth, SQA Interim Chief Executive, said: "We are committed to ensuring our services are tailored to the needs of those we serve. Our Prospectus for Change states clearly our ambition of resetting our relationships with learners, teachers and lecturers. We will listen, act, and provide feedback; ensuring their voices drive our decisions.”
SQA uses various research initiatives to gather consumer insights, informing improvements to qualifications and services. These activities are complemented by direct engagement with learners and educators, exemplified by school visits and partnerships with stakeholder organisations including the Scottish Youth Parliament.
SQA maintains clear communication channels and a robust complaint handling procedure. Furthermore, the organisation conducts Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs), Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIAs) and Island Community Impact Assessments (ICIAs), to ensure equitable policies. SQA is looking to streamline these impact assessment processes.
John Booth added: “Looking ahead to the launch of Qualifications Scotland later this year, we are continuing to recruit members for our "Your Voice" panels to further widen our engagement and shape the future of qualifications in Scotland.”
Future updates will be shared in progress reports published by Qualifications Scotland.