We're pleased to be supporting Qualifications Wales with the appointment of a new Chair on their Board.

Qualifications Wales (QW) is responsible for the regulation of awarding bodies and the quality assurance of non-degree qualifications delivered in Wales. Qualifications Wales, as an independent statutory body, is well placed to ensure that qualifications offered in Wales meet the needs of learners, employers and the economy.

QW is the principal authority on qualifications in Wales and provides professional advice to the Welsh Ministers on relevant matters as well as information, advice and support to a wide range of stakeholders. It communicates the value of qualifications offered in Wales to stakeholders inside and outside of Wales.

Chair Opportunity

The Chair of Qualifications Wales Board (the Board) is appointed by Welsh Ministers and is responsible for leading the Board and setting the strategic direction for QW and monitoring the delivery of the organisation's business strategy, plans and performance and objectives. Whilst the Board has this strategic level responsibility, the Chief Executive has responsibility in respect of the day-to-day operational management of QW.

Key Details

• Location: Pan Wales - The chair will need to travel where meetings are required in-person.
• Time commitment: An average of 5 days per month.
• Tenure of office: Initial appointment of three years (maximum of six years)
• Remuneration: £337 per day (up to 7 hours a day claimed against an hourly rate) plus Qualifications Wales have a scheme to reimburse reasonable expenses, and other expenses incurred on business. The appointment is not pensionable.
• Closing date: 18th April 2025
• Interviews: May/June 2025
• Start of appointment: January 2026

Summary of Responsibilities

• Providing vision and strategic leadership to the Board.
• Building effective working relationships with the Chief Executive and Directors
• Formulating the Board's strategies.
• Ensuring that the Board, in reaching decisions, takes proper account of statutory and financial management requirements, QW's principal aims and statutory functions and pays regard to all relevant guidance and policy direction provided by the Welsh Ministers.
• Ensuring high standards of regularity and propriety.
• Representing the views of the Board to the public and to the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
• Ensure that all Board members are briefed fully on the terms of their appointment and on their duties, rights and responsibilities.
• Where appointments to vacancies on the Board are to be made by the Welsh Ministers, advise Welsh Ministers on the needs of QW and how it might best reflect the diversity of Wales.
• Attend an annual performance review, conducted by Welsh Ministers (Minister with QW Sponsorship / portfolio lead).
• Ensuring that the Board is effective in working with QW (the Executive) to develop strategy and corporate business plans that are properly scrutinised and monitored.
• Working with the Chief Executive, in their role as Accounting Officer, ensure that appropriate governance arrangements are implemented in line with best practice and the requirements of a public body.
• Ensuring that governance arrangements deliver the legal responsibilities, functions and duties placed on the body by Statute.
• Working closely with the Chief Executive to ensure a relevant organisational strategy remains in place.

Summary of Requirements

• An outstanding record of leadership, organisational transformation and development at Board level or equivalent in a complex organisation.
• Demonstrable interest in education and understanding of the education system in Wales including an understanding of the future needs and challenges.
• Excellent track record of inspiring and enthusing staff and stakeholders that demonstrates an inclusive and collaborative approach including working in partnership with staff representatives.
• Leading or being part of the leadership in developing organisational cultures.
• An exceptional ability to communicate, including handling the media and wider public audiences, and building relationships at all levels. Strong interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to negotiate, persuade and influence.
• A track record of managing complex and challenging relationships at a senior level in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Ability to ensure that the organisation's financial dealings are prudently and systematically accounted for, audited and publicly available showing a commitment to transparency and openness.
• Understanding of the public sector context and understanding of and commitment to the principles of public life.
• Able to demonstrate a track record of commitment to and notable delivery against principles of equality and diversity.

Please refer to the full candidate pack below for the full responsibilities, requirements and further information.

Welsh Language

The post has been assessed with Welsh skills identified as desirable.

The Welsh Government is encouraging a wide and diverse range of individuals to apply for appointments to public bodies. Applications are particularly welcome from all under-represented groups, in the current Board, including those under the age of 30, people from minority ethnic communities, disabled people and the LGBTQ+ community.

Further Information

Please find the full candidate pack here.

To read this advert and material in Welsh, please follow this link.

Further information can be found on the Qualifications Wales website. This provides information about the current Board, their Corporate Plan, their current reform of 14-16 National Qualifications, and their regulatory role.

Making an application

We have been retained by Qualifications Wales to support this process, therefore please be aware that applying via our website is only a registration of interest. If you do wish to apply for this role, please go to the Welsh Government's Public Appointments website where you'll see it currently advertised.

To apply you will need to register and upload a CV and personal statement for consideration.

If you need any further support or would just like to find out more, then please get in touch on the details below:

[email protected] / 07551 353 260