SFC news published since 2018. See SFC archived content for earlier news articles.
Photos: Edinburgh College, UHI Perth, Glasgow Clyde College.
I am delighted to be taking on responsibility for the delivery of the transformation programme that will lead to the successful transfer of national training programmes, including apprenticeships, from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to a redesigned Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The transformation also includes the implementation of new duties given to SFC by the Tertiary Education and Training Act.
I will bring to the role the experience and expertise gained through having served as SFC’s Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes. I will also be able to draw on my consultancy work with both institutions and independent training providers. I know too that transformation of this scale cannot be achieved in isolation and there will be so much that I can learn from others; internally from within both SFC and SDS, and externally from the institutions SFC currently funds – as well as the independent training providers and employer bodies with whom we are building new relationships.
Engagement with colleagues and external stakeholders will be absolutely essential to a successful transformation programme. I am therefore committed to hearing what currently works well and learning where enhancements could be made. Success will depend on building on the experience, expertise and knowledge from many areas.
I don’t underestimate the scale of the challenge. We have a lot to deliver in a short space of time. Importantly, we have made a commitment to an “as is” transfer of functions of specialist colleagues from SDS to SFC. The skilled and experienced workforces across both organisations will be working in partnership to ensure there is no disruption to learners, providers or employers.
The expertise and knowledge of our external stakeholders will also be vital. Supported by colleagues across both SFC and SDS, we are planning a programme of external engagement to ensure the widest understanding of the impact of the 2026 Act.
Our programme will explain what it means for you and, equally importantly, how you can help shape the future of the redesigned funding body, to ensure we maximise the benefits of bringing funding for all post-16 education and skills provision into a single place.
Finally, I want to say something about the gains we are committed to achieving. For the first time we will have a comprehensive view of learner demand and employer needs. This will enable evidence-based advice and targeted funding decisions. It will also mean that we will be better placed to promote parity among different types of provision; to streamline learner pathways; and to enhance alignment between colleges, universities, and apprenticeships.
We will be able to offer transparency, consistency, and reduced administrative burdens for all education and skills providers, improving quality monitoring and freeing up resources for frontline delivery. Also for the first time, we will have the chance to integrate skills development with university research and innovation, aligning resources to prepare Scotland’s workforce not just for the needs of today but for future opportunities.
The future is exciting and I look forward to working with you as we make it happen.
Jacqui Brasted
Director for Strategic Transformation and Skills
8 April 2026
