Qualifications Wales – Board Members

job description

Appointment of 7 Board Members – Daily fee is £292 based on a time commitment of up to 36 days (an average of 3 days per month) a year.  

1. Are you motivated to make a real difference to learners in Wales?

2. Are you passionate about qualifications and learning?

3. Can you help shape Wales’ future qualifications?

Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator of qualifications and the qualification system in Wales and is a Welsh Government Sponsored body.  Qualifications Wales is responsible for ensuring that qualifications and the qualifications system are effective in meeting the needs of learners in Wales, and for promoting public confidence in the education system. This is an important opportunity to contribute to the future of qualifications in Wales, helping to ensure that the qualification system continues to evolve and respond effectively to the needs of learners, employers and stakeholders across Wales.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about improving education in Wales and want to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our children, young people and adult learners. Successful candidates will be able to provide strategic leadership and inspire confidence across the organisation, supporting Qualifications Wales in delivering its statutory responsibilities and strategic objectives. We welcome individuals who bring independent thinking, sound judgement and a willingness to offer constructive challenge, helping to ensure that Qualifications Wales continues to operate effectively and deliver high standards in all that it does.

We want a Board that has a diverse range of relevant skills so, for these seven new members, we are looking for expertise in the following specialisms;

- Regulation - experience of board-level operations in a regulatory body

- Assessment - experience in the application of assessment and quality assurance systems and compliance  

- Digital Technology – experience in the application of digital technologies in the delivery of services and more broadly

- Media/PR Expertise – experience of media and PR activity in a Wales or bilingual context

- Vocational Qualifications Provision - experience of designing, delivering or overseeing vocational qualifications and education provision, including an understanding of how provision supports learner progression.

- Apprenticeships and/or Alternative Education Provision -Experience of overseeing the delivery of post-16 vocational education through apprenticeships (ideally in Wales) and/or experience in the delivery of alternative education provision

- Human Resources or Compliance - senior-level experience in people management, workforce governance, and recruitment or organisational compliance.

For all posts, we are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:

- the ability to bring fresh perspectives and contribute effectively to discussions on both strategic and practical matters, including those beyond their own area of expertise;

- the ability to provide oversight, direction and sound decision-making in a complex and changing environment;

- the ability and experience to question, reflect on and scrutinise our work, offering constructive challenge to help ensure that qualifications policy and reform are well considered, deliverable and aligned with intended outcomes;

- a broad understanding of the education context in Wales, gained through community involvement, voluntary work, professional experience or other relevant life experience;

- an appreciation of the role of Qualifications Wales and the importance of its work with learners, stakeholders and the wider qualifications system;

- a commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life, with a track record of acting with integrity, sound judgement and accountability in leadership or decision-making roles.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable but not essential for all the posts.

Qualifications Wales is committed to ensuring that its Board reflects, as far as possible, the diversity of Wales. We particularly welcome applications from people who would bring greater ethnic and cultural diversity; age diversity; socio-economic, educational and geographical diversity; and lived experience of disability or neurodiversity.  We are also looking to recruit Welsh speakers to add to the skills on our Board.  

The closing date for receipt of applications is 11 November.  Applications received after this date will not be considered.

A large print, Braille or audio version of this advert can be obtained by request from 03000255454.