Scottish Ministers have formally created a Strategic Advisory Council to advise Qualifications Scotland, the new national awarding body. The regulations were made on 28 January 2026, laid before the Scottish Parliament on 30 January, and take effect on 12 March 2026. The council exists under section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 2025, giving it a statutory role in shaping how qualifications are designed and governed. (legislation.gov.uk)

Why it matters for readers north of the Tyne is straightforward. Colleges and employers across Cumbria, Northumberland and the Borders work with Scottish learners and staff every year. Recognition of Highers, cross‑border apprenticeships and joint FE/HE provision depend on clear, trusted standards. A standing council with responsibility to advise on Qualifications Scotland’s qualifications and procedures is meant to keep that trust steady and give stakeholders a predictable route to be heard. (legislation.gov.uk)

Who gets a seat is spelled out. Ministers must appoint members who represent children and young people, parents and carers of learners taking Qualifications Scotland awards, and individuals with expertise in additional support needs. The regulations go further by calling in trade union representation for school and college staff, voices from business and industry, local directors of education, the Scottish Funding Council, and representatives of colleges and universities. Two conveners will be appointed, and one-only one-must also sit on the board of Qualifications Scotland. Staff of Qualifications Scotland themselves cannot be appointed to the council. (legislation.gov.uk)

Terms are fixed to keep turnover sensible: members serve up to four years at a time and may be re‑appointed, with a hard cap of 12 years in total. Appointments and any early removals rest with Ministers, reflecting the council’s statutory footing while keeping accountability clear. (legislation.gov.uk)

On how it works day to day, the council is required to consult-where appropriate-the Learner Interest Committee, the Teacher and Practitioner Interest Committee and any other committees set up by Qualifications Scotland. It must also take account of consultation already carried out by the awarding body and follow any guidance issued by Ministers on meeting these duties. (legislation.gov.uk)

There’s a commitment to openness. At least one meeting each financial year must be open to the public, and both the council and Qualifications Scotland must take reasonable steps to encourage people to attend. A representative of Scottish Ministers has the right to observe or participate, and staff from Qualifications Scotland may do so at the conveners’ discretion. The council will set its own procedures and can create committees or sub‑committees, including with non‑members, to get through the work. (legislation.gov.uk)

Information flow is formalised. Qualifications Scotland must provide the council with information it reasonably needs to perform its functions. Where the council gives written advice to the body, Qualifications Scotland must respond in writing and copy that response to Ministers-closing the loop so that advice isn’t left on the shelf. (legislation.gov.uk)

Members won’t be out of pocket for turning up. Allowances and expenses for conveners and members will be paid by Qualifications Scotland, in line with determinations made from time to time by Ministers. That’s standard for statutory advisory bodies, but the intent here is to remove barriers for those who don’t have an employer footing the bill. (legislation.gov.uk)

This council arrives as the wider reform moves into operation. The Scottish Government has confirmed that the Scottish Qualifications Authority will be replaced by Qualifications Scotland on 1 February 2026, with the new body expected to prioritise transparency and stronger stakeholder involvement. For northern colleges recruiting Scottish learners, and employers running cross‑border apprenticeships, this is the forum to watch-and, where eligible, to join through sector bodies and public appointments routes once the call goes out. (gov.scot)

For completeness, the instrument is signed by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP. The expectation in the North is practical: parents, learners, unions and employers close to the Border should press for representation and make use of the council’s annual public meeting to raise issues around assessment design, recognition and progression-so that what’s decided in Edinburgh works in Hawick, Hexham and Carlisle too.