Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate

Our mission is to shape the education and skills opportunities for all Scottish citizens, allowing them to contribute to a competitive and inclusive economy. The directorate's overarching approach is framed in the policies we set and delivered through sponsorship of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

We are responsible for:

implementing the reform of the post-school education and skills sector
working with partners to develop the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil potential and to make a meaningful contribution to Scotland’s wellbeing economy
ensuring access to post-school education and skills development is based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay
supporting research and innovation to enhance global understanding and to progress societal wellbeing
implementing Scotland's Young Person's Guarantee, an employer-led guarantee to support young people aged 16-24 into work