Development

Financial assistance for formal qualifications

Over and above in-house training solutions to support you in career development and your performance.  SQA supports your development by providing financial assistance with fees towards formal qualifications, paying up to 100% of course fees and necessary textbooks. If the course involves formal examinations outwith normal attendance days, paid leave of absence will be granted and paid time off to study for formal examinations may be allowed at your line manager’s discretion.

Sabbaticals

Staff with five years' continuous service are eligible to apply for an unpaid sabbatical for a minimum of six months and maximum of 24 months. This is to support staff in a variety of work/life issues from personal development to extended travel. During the period of sabbatical leave the member of staff's contract of employment is terminated, but is reinstated with continuity of service preserved after returning to SQA's employment. The member of staff is entitled to return to a post of equivalent terms and conditions, where possible.

Secondments

SQA actively supports staff who, as part of an agreed career plan, will benefit from a period of work experience in an outside organisation. SQA encourages links with organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors which will satisfy the needs of SQA and, wherever possible, personal aspirations.