Working for us

Joining our team means becoming part of a vibrant and supportive community where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, has the opportunity to thrive, and can make a real impact.

Find out more about what makes this a great place to work, including our dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion; our active employee networks; opportunities to take part in volunteering and fundraising; staff development opportunities; and union membership. 

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At SQA, we value the unique perspectives and experiences that a diverse workforce brings. We are committed to employing individuals with any of the protected characteristics and fostering a culture of respect and belonging.

The protected characteristics are:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission website has more information on protected characteristics.

We also consider care experience to be a protected characteristic. This refers to anyone who is currently in care or has been for any length of time regardless of their age. This care may have been provided in many different settings such as: kinship care, looked after at home, residential care, foster care, secure care, and adoption.

Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion

We are members of the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion and were awarded a Bronze Award indicating we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion within our policies and processes.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident employer and offer a guaranteed interview to any applicant who considers themself to be disabled and who meets the competency requirements for the post.

Carer Positive

Carer Positive is a Scottish Government initiative, developed with the support of a strong partnership between private, public, and voluntary sector organisations in Scotland. Carer Positive raise awareness of the challenges facing working carers and encourages employers to understand the business benefits of supporting carers in the workplace.

Gaelic Language Plan

SQA has a Gaelic Language Plan and is committed to its purpose. Tha Plana Gàidhlig aig SQA agus tha sinn a' creidsinn gu dàrachdach agus na h-amasan a tha air cur a-mach sa Phlana Nàisteanta don Ghàidhlig.

Our employee network groups give colleagues an opportunity to come together to share experiences and ideas, and offer peer support and guidance. Networks also provide a forum for SQA to engage with employees to help inform policy development.

ACE (Appreciate Culture and Ethnicity) Network

The ACE Network exists to provide support for Black, Asian and minority ethnic employees and create a sense of belonging. It provides opportunities to share experiences, give feedback and recommendations, and support practical and clear steps we can all make to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Carers' Network

The Carers' Network provides support and resources for employees of SQA who are unpaid carers. It creates a safe space for employees with caring responsibilities to connect, share experiences, and offer support.

Disability Network

The Disability Network provides a confidential, safe space for employees with a disability to meet others, share experiences and access peer support. It also works to raise awareness of disability issues within the workplace and wider society.

Men's Shed

The Men's Shed is a safe and inclusive space where men can come together to share their thoughts, experiences, and challenges in a supportive environment. It creates a space where men can openly discuss all aspects of their overall health, receive support, and learn from one another's experiences.

Rainbow Network (LGBT+ Network)

The Rainbow Network’s purpose is to drive equality and support for LGBTQ+ members of staff, give members a safe space to talk, and help reflect the diversity of SQA through events.

Women's Network

The Women's Network is a supportive community where women can unite to advance equality, share advice, celebrate achievements, and uplift one another. It is dedicated to promoting women's health; engaging in discussions about menopause, fertility, periods, and other topics that affect women.

Young Talent Forum

The Young Talent Forum provides a platform for 16 to 28-year-old colleagues to influence change and contribute to the company's commitment to developing its young workforce. The network aims to boost confidence, job satisfaction, and skill development, while fostering connections within the organisation.

Hands-Up - corporate volunteering

We encourage our staff to volunteer through our Hands-Up scheme to support local communities. You can use your volunteering time to work on your own volunteering activity where it meets our volunteering criteria or get involved in one of the many activities organised by SQA.

Supporting charity

We encourage staff to support out fundraising activities in support of our nominated charities. Activities include quiz nights, cake sales, sponsored walks and many others.

SVQ programme

We run an SVQ programme where you may undertake a qualification that is relevant to your role.

Financial assistance for formal qualifications

After a qualifying period of 12 months we will consider applications to support your development by providing support and financial assistance toward fees for formal qualifications that are relevant to your role.

We work closely with and recognise two trade unions: Unite and Unison. All staff are welcome to join a union and can discuss their options by contacting their union representative.