Responsible business

Our responsible business vision

At SQA, we strive to make a meaningful difference to the individuals and communities we serve. We do this by fostering a shared understanding of what it means to be an organisation that delivers on our promises and maintains a positive impact on our customers, the environment, and the people in it. Our vision is to be a trusted, positive and inspirational organisation to work for and with, while promoting equality and ensuring that every person feels significant and valued.

Our responsibilities can be divided into three main sections:

Our people

At SQA, our responsible business mission is centred on nurturing the diverse talents of our colleagues, empowering them to realise their potential and achieve their ambitions while ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. We recognise that individuals perform best when they feel their best; therefore, the mental and physical health of our staff is a top priority.

Our colleagues are our most valuable resource. We acknowledge their humanity and hard work, recognising that they have obligations, concerns, and interests beyond their roles at SQA. Alongside our human resources (HR) procedures and policies, we provide a variety of programmes, initiatives, and employee benefits that transform SQA from merely a workplace into a thriving community.

Our customers and communities

‘Giving something back’ encapsulates what it means to be a responsible business at SQA. Throughout 2024, we strengthened existing relationships and forged new ones. SQA remains committed to building and enhancing connections with our customers and local communities. We have recognised and rewarded ambition, promoted equality, improved employment opportunities for young people, and actively supported local charities.

The environment

We aim to minimise the environmental impact of our activities and enhance all colleagues’ awareness of climate change issues. Our goal is to exceed the obligations outlined in the UK Government’s 25-year environmental plan, A Green Future, as well as those set forth in the Scottish Government's Public Bodies Climate Change Duties.

By continuously tracking, assessing, and reducing our consumption, waste, and CO₂ emissions, we have successfully reduced our 'carbon footprint' year on year. We have also discovered new and innovative ways to integrate sustainability into our daily operations.

Our responsible business review

2025 is set to be a pivotal year for Scotland’s education and skills community, and for SQA colleagues, marking the replacement of the organisation with Qualifications Scotland.

In this Responsible Business Annual Review for 2024, we reflect on the many ways our dedicated colleagues have gone above and beyond in their responsibilities.

Responsible Business Review 2024 (3.82 MB)