Home-based on the Isle of Skye, I cover a vast geographical area from Thurso all the way to Campbeltown, Castlebay to Kingussie, acting as the main SQA contact for over 80 centres. I work with all the secondary schools in the area plus colleges, public and private sector training providers, third sector organisations, employers and stakeholders such as local authorities and industry organisations. My role is to promote SQA and its qualifications and services, help centres introduce new qualifications, provide ongoing support and work with organisations seeking to become an SQA Approved Centre.
Born and bred in the Highlands, I have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by residents and know that community and connections are at the core of Highlands and Islands life. I’ve always been active in my community, and currently I am a director and Chair of my local community development company, I manage the local football team, and I’m Chair of the West Highland Amateur Football Association.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and its academic college partners are a huge asset to the area, providing a diverse range of education opportunities for Highland and Island communities. This year has seen the launch of Scotland’s newest college, UHI North, West and Hebrides following the merger of UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland. I’m looking forward to working with many familiar faces supporting this new college as it develops its curriculum to improve student experience, attract more students and grow its commercial activity.
Access for our young people to local education opportunities is essential to help retain our talent, address historic depopulation and encourage economic growth and progress. UHI and its colleges are integral to this. My daughter was able to take advantage of the UHI offering, working locally while studying for a HNC and HND. She was then accepted into year three of a degree and now works as a Graduate Development Manager with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the same role I had at the beginning of my career!
Maintaining strong connections with partner organisations and stakeholders is important in my work. You can’t manage such a large geographical area without a little help and good contacts. For example, I’ve been involved with the local Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) groups since they were established; they highlight the opportunities that are available to young people, ideally from local employers and in turn aim to create skilled talent pools in communities. I am also involved with the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership, a group of organisations working together to deliver a range of employability initiatives that support the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind policy.
Famous for its scenery and landscape, the Highlands and Islands attract millions of tourists each year, essential to our local economy, communities and livelihoods. Recent years has seen an increase in activity which is welcome, but it does mean I have to adapt how I connect with my centres over the busiest summer periods.
The roads are so busy over the summer months, ferry places limited and there’s little accommodation to be had, so online meetings are often the best option for me to maintain regular contact with centres. When I do get out and about, the long trips require a lot of planning, and I often make multiple stops at different centres along the way. I like to think my centres appreciate the effort, as they’re used to having to travel to the central belt for many things, so when someone visits them, it is appreciated.
I’m passionate about what I do, the Highlands and Islands where I live and work and in playing my part in supporting the communities and economy of the area through SQA. If you’d like to discuss your organisation becoming an SQA Approved Centre to deliver our huge range of qualifications, please contact businessdevelopment@sqa.org.uk.
