Appointee recruitment guidelines

1 Introduction

The appointee recruitment guidelines aim to ensure that SQA operates a fair, consistent and transparent appointment procedure for all appointee contracts.

2 Scope

These guidelines apply to all appointee roles.

3 Guidelines

• Appointee opportunities will be advertised via the SQA web based eRecruiter system.
• Targeted emails will be sent to subject specific groups and SQA centre coordinators (as required).
• Appointee opportunities will be open for a minimum of nine working days and span two weekends.
• Application forms must be completed by all applicants using the eRecruiter system.
• Applications will be considered against the relevant selection criteria for the role.
• All applications held on eRecruiter will be valid for a 12 month period from the time of original application.
• An applicant can request that a current application form on eRecruiter be transferred to another advertised opportunity:
• The request to transfer an application must be made in writing/email to Appointee Management giving 48 hours notice before the application closing date.
• Applications transferred into the new opportunity will then be considered against the relevant selection criteria for the new opportunity and be leeted accordingly.
• An application transfer will only be allowed once in a 12 month period.

4 Senior appointee roles

Where interviews are applicable:

• After the application date has closed the selection panel will carry out the leeting process of all applications.
• The evidence presented by the applicant will be judged against the skills, knowledge and experience defined in the contract specification for the appointment.
• Interview panels will be made up of two senior members of SQA staff.
• Panel members will be competent interviewers and will have undertaken training in SQA’s appointment procedure for appointees.
• The interview will be based on the competencies of the role and is an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate suitability by providing evidence to support their application.
• Appointee Management will then contact the successful applicant to make the contract offer.
• Once the offer is confirmed the unsuccessful candidate/s will be notified via the eRecruiter system.
• Where a senior appointee has been interviewed in the previous 12 months and a request is made to transfer the application to a new opportunity where interview will be required, the senior appointee may not be required to attend an interview. However:
  • the appointee must be leeted for interview by one of the previous interviewing panel members.
  • one member of the original interview panel must be involved in the leeting/ interview process to ensure a fair process providing evidence to support their decision.
  • the appointee may request a second interview and should be afforded that opportunity.

5 All other roles

• Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the leeting manger via eRecruiter.
• The outcome will be one of the following:
  • invited to join appropriate subject team.
  • invited to join reserve list for the subject team.
  • application unsuccessful.
• SQA policy stipulates that an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check (PVG) is required for appointee roles that involve ‘regulated work’ with children and protected adults. This check will be undertaken as part of the contractual process.
• This requirement does not apply to anyone who is registered with the General Teaching Council.

Guidelines Review Date: December 2025

Guidelines Owner: Head of Appointee Management