Get to know the people behind the SCQF Partnership (SCQFP). In this new blog series, we shine a spotlight on our Board members and the valuable experience, perspectives and leadership they bring to the organisation. This week, it’s the turn of Nick Page.

Nick is the Chief Executive of Qualifications Scotland. He began his career teaching geography in London before becoming a deputy headteacher in North Wales, where he developed a strong commitment to inclusive education and values-led leadership.

He later moved into the private sector, leading educational projects and international studies focused on integrated services for children and families – a theme that has shaped his career.

In local government, Nick served as Strategic Director of Children’s Services in Salford and Chief Executive of Solihull Council, driving transformational change to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

Now leading Qualifications Scotland, he continues that mission, guided by the values of being open, connected, caring and brave. These principles underpin his leadership and his commitment to fairness, kindness and courage in change.

As we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the SCQF, we caught up with Nick to learn more about his vision for the Framework’s future.

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of serving on the Board? 

One of the great things about the SCQF Partnership is just that – it is a partnership.

Being able to play my part in bringing Qualifications Scotland’s perspective to the board is important, of course, but I am always energised and motivated by opportunities to work together in partnership with other organisations.

The SCQF provides the perfect opportunity to do so; we come together to support, steer and champion one of the cornerstones of Scottish education and skills – that is the envy of many, even those that work in the kinds of international skills systems we often compare ourselves to.

The Framework brings benefits to many different stakeholders and participants in the education and skills system, so to be part of the team who steward and nurtures that is a privilege.

What do you see as the SCQF’s most important contribution to Scottish education and skills development in the past 25 years?

The SCQF does something very important in allowing everyone to compare the level and size of different qualifications. This is hugely important as it allows everyone to see how things relate to each other, can open up conversations about progression and – with the inclusion of HE programmes and qualifications in the same Framework as all those offered in schools, colleges and training providers – is a tangible and important living example of commitment to a parity of esteem across different pathways and qualifications.

Baking this parity in via the Framework has been, and continues to be, a valuable commitment to the kind of education and skills system Scotland aspires to have.

How do you see the SCQF evolving over the next 25 years?  

For the future, I think it is less about how the Framework evolves and more about how it helps ensure that whatever the future of qualifications looks like, they remain grounded with clarity about their level and their size.

One strength of the Framework is that it can be a home to qualifications of all different types, aims and styles – so long as we maintain that, while ensuring that the ground rules of clear outcomes, formal assessment and quality assurance are maintained – then the Framework will evolve as qualifications evolve.

Can you share an example of how you’ve seen the SCQF make a real difference to learners, training providers & employers?

The Framework is embedded in Qualifications Scotland’s qualifications  – so every time a learner is entered for one of our qualifications, the SCQF is playing its part in supporting that learner journey.

We also work with many organisations that speak to us about our customised awards offer, or indeed as our role as a credit rating body. We know from our experience that the ability to place an organisation’s learning programme on the SCQF is a major benefit.

Why should learners, training providers and employers care about the SCQF?   

Learners – and parents and carers – training providers and employers should care about the SCQF as it provides them with a map to the qualifications that are available. It enables purposeful learner journeys aiming at a destination, showing that there are different routes to get where you want to be.

What makes the Partnership model effective for Scotland’s qualifications landscape?

The partnership model embodies Scotland’s approach to education and skill. It’s a system where all the players understand that they need each other and work best when they do so in harness.

What’s one thing you would like more people to understand about the SCQF? 

The SCQF is a brilliant example of this partnership in action. If there’s one thing I’d like people to understand it is just that: the Framework shows what we can do when we work across our institutional boundaries for the good of Scotland. It shows that collaboration and partnership are a direct route to delivering solutions that work – and the 25 years of contribution made to thousands of learner journeys by the SCQF is testament to that.