The Learner Interest Committee is a group of learners who will:

• share feedback about what it’s like to study our qualifications 
• help improve how qualifications are designed and assessed
• bring real learner experiences to national conversations.

The committee is advisory. That means it doesn't have decision-making powers but it plays an important role in informing and influencing our work. The views and insights shared by the Learner Interest Committee will feed directly into senior team and board-level discussions, helping to shape future developments in qualifications and assessment.

We want the committee to work for you. So, we’ll ask for your input on things like:

• how often the group should meet
• whether meetings are online, in-person or a mix
• the best ways for you to share your views
• how to make sure everyone feels comfortable, respected and listened to

Two people, called co-convenors,will help lead the committee and make sure it runs smoothly. They will:

• help plan and lead meetings
• support conversations and make sure everyone has the chance to share their views
• act as a link between the committee and Qualifications Scotland

We already have one co-convenor, who is also a member of the Qualifications Scotland Board. They help to ensure strong links between the committee and senior decision-making. Committee members will work together to identify a second co-convenor from within the group, so the committee is led and developed by learners.

Taking part is voluntary and we’ll cover all reasonable expenses.

We recognise and value your time and commitment, and as the committee starts to meet we will explore ways to recognise your contributions. This might include existing awards or recognition schemes, where available.

Members will be asked to:

• attend around four meetings per year - there might be a mix of online and in-person meetings, depending on what members think works best
• spend some time reading information or preparing thoughts
• take part in discussions and respond to emails between meetings
• have access to the internet and a quiet space for online meetings
• bring your experiences, opinions and questions

You can apply to join if you're working towards a Qualifications Scotland qualification OR have completed one in the last 12 months. This includes qualifications previously awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

We welcome learners of all ages, including:

• children and young people under 18
• adult learners
• learners studying National Qualifications, Higher Nationals or Vocational Qualifications

We want the committee to reflect Scotland’s learners, and particularly welcome interest from:

• carers or people with experience of care
• learners from all parts of Scotland
• people with additional support needs or a disability

By joining the Learner Interest Committee, you can:

• influence the future of qualifications in Scotland
• share your experiences of learning and assessment
• help shape decisions that affect thousands of people
• meet learners from across Scotland and build connections
• make your voice heard at a national level

• Applications open: Monday 2 February 2026
• Applications close: Monday 2 March 2026 (9pm)
• Selection process: March 2026
• First meeting: June 2026

The first meeting is expected to be an informal introductory session. You'll get to know other members, have a bit of fun, and hear more about what's coming up for the committee.

If you’d like to join the Learner Interest Committee, please complete the short online application by Monday 2 March 2026 at 9pm.

Join our Learner Interest Committee (application form)

We'll use the form to collect some basic information about you to help us make sure the committee includes a wide range of learners. It's quick to complete and there's no need to prepare anything in advance.

What happens next?

Once you submit the form, we'll email you to confirm we've received your response.

We want to make sure the committee includes a range of experiences, so we'll:

• randomly select a set of members from all applicants
• check we’ve included learners with a range of experiences
• select additional members to help fill gaps - for example, if we don't have any college learners we'll randomly select members from the applicants from colleges

We'll be in touch as soon as we can to let you know the outcome.

If you have additional support needs or require reasonable adjustments, we're very happy to support you. Please contact governance@qualifications.gov.scot to discuss this in confidence.