New Exams Chief Steps Down from Council Amid Child Death Criticism

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The new boss of Scotland’s exams quango resigned from his previous role following child safety concerns at the council he ran.

Nick Page has been announced as the chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and will automatically switch to the same role at the new Qualifications Scotland body when it is set up later this year.

But concerns have been raised about the way he left his job as chief executive of Solihull Council after a 2023 review found that children faced ‘significant harm’ due to delayed responses from its ‘inadequate’ children’s services.

Mr Page resigned following the Ofsted report, saying new leadership would help bring about the necessary changes.

The SQA has refused to confirm his exact salary in the new role, saying only that it was ‘within the range set by Scottish Government for CEOs of that grade’ and that the job had been advertised with a salary of between £126,000 and £143,000.

His appointment comes after new legislation was passed this week abolishing the SQA, despite concerns the new body will just be a ‘rebrand’.

Miles Briggs, education spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: ‘This appointment by the discredited and scandal-hit SQA is bound to raise eyebrows among those crying out for positive change in Scottish education.

‘Many will be concerned about how he left a previously senior leadership role and if that will hang over him as he gets to work in Scotland.

‘SNP ministers missed the boat this week with their education bill which was full of cosmetic rebranding, including in relation to the beleaguered SQA.

‘I wish Mr Page all the best in his new role, but he will need to show that he is willing to make the tough decisions necessary to undo 18 years of SNP damage to Scotland’s education system.’

During his role at Solihull Council, the authority was heavily criticised after six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was murdered by his step-mother in June 2020.

Emma Tustin poisoned, starved and beat Arthur during the Covid lockdown , and was jailed along with Arthur’s father Thomas Hughes, who was found guilty of manslaughter.

A spokesman for the SQA said: ‘Nick Page chose to step down from his last role after a critical inspection.

‘It was a principled decision to allow fresh leadership to take improvements forward.

‘The SQA board carried out full due diligence and was unanimous in its selection. Nick was also the unanimous choice of the SQA staff panel which interviewed all candidates.’

The new appointment comes after Fiona Robertson announced she was quitting as chief executive in February.

Mr Page will begin work on July 7 and will then lead Qualifications Scotland when it is established in December.

He has worked in teaching and children’s services, as well as local authority leadership.

Mr Page said: ‘I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as chief executive of SQA and to lead Scotland’s new national awarding body when Qualifications Scotland opens its doors in December.

‘SQA is already transforming at pace to build strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, harnessing the deep knowledge, skills and commitment of our people.

‘We will accelerate that work to deliver a future that improves outcomes and supports learning and teaching.

‘As a former teacher from a family of teachers, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in classrooms, colleges and across the education community, especially since the pandemic.’

SQA chairman Shirley Rogers, who led the recruitment process for the new chief executive, said: ‘We set the bar high to find a dynamic leader with the depth of experience, values and commitment to public service and partnership that our organisation - and Scotland - needs.

‘I am absolutely delighted that Nick has chosen to join us. His career spans many achievements and a proven ability to lead through both change and challenge.

‘I am confident that, drawing on these experiences and a commitment to learning from them, Nick will drive the positive transformation that ensures Qualifications Scotland delivers for every learner, every educator, and every community.’

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