Public appointment: Interim Chair appointed to Skills Development Scotland

The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, Ben Macpherson, today announced the appointment of David Hillier as Interim Chair of the Board of Skills Development Scotland.

 

Interim Chair

Professor David Hillier is Associate Principal for Global Engagement and Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School at the University of Strathclyde. He has served on the Board of Skills Development Scotland since 2020 and has chaired its Finance and Operational Performance Committee since 2022, giving him detailed knowledge of SDS alongside strong experience in governance, financial stewardship, performance and risk.

Over more than a decade in university executive leadership, he has led complex organisational transformation, including restructuring, estates renewal and significant changes to international operations. He also brings extensive experience of skills and workforce development, having led executive education and employer-linked programmes supporting people with learning disabilities and those with experience of the criminal justice system.

 

Interim Appointment

This interim appointment will be for 1 year and will run from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

 

Remuneration

This interim appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £460 per day for a time commitment of 96 days per year.

 

Other ministerial appointments

David has no other ministerial public appointments.

 

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

David has had no political activity within the last five years.

 

Background

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s national skills body. It contributes to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth by supporting people and businesses to develop and apply their skills. SDS works with local and national partners to provide services that deliver the very best outcomes for Scotland’s people, businesses and the economy.

SDS is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) responsible to Scottish Ministers with private limited company status and board members are non-executive directors of the company.

With more than 1,300 colleagues working in schools and communities across the country, SDS is passionate about skills development and its contribution to a modern, innovative and prosperous Scottish economy.

Working with their partners, SDS strives to build a dynamic and responsive skills system, ensuring employers have the right skills at the right time to drive business productivity and inclusive growth. It works to ensure every individual has the skills and confidence to get a job and progress in the world of work, achieving their full potential.

SDS is committed to building a Scotland which champions fair work practices and a diverse and inclusive workforce.