| SCAPP is seeking a new Chair for its Steering Group to help lead and steer SCAPP through the next phase of its development as it works towards a more sustainable future.
About SCAPP
SCAPP (Scotland’s Community of Access and Participation Practitioners) was launched in May 2019 and has grown from an initial membership of 86 to almost 700 individuals. SCAPP is a membership organisation and aims to be an inclusive, sustainable, member-led community representing practitioners working in the field of widening access from universities, National Schools Programmes, colleges, schools, skills, voluntary and public sector organisations.
SCAPP seeks to promote the development and professionalisation of a strong widening access and participation community in Scotland. It supports practitioners from various institutions and organisations who work with learners from widening access backgrounds, helping them implement and improve effective practices. SCAPP also provides opportunities for sharing best practice and keeping up to date with emerging research and policy developments.
SCAPP is hosted at the University of Stirling who provide support, guidance and advocacy for HR, Finance, IT and other relevant issues which may affect the business and operation of SCAPP.
SCAPP is funded by the Scottish Funding Council but also generates income from institutional membership subscriptions and is working towards appropriate income generating activities.
See the SCAPP website for further information.
Governance
SCAPP is governed by a Steering Group with representation from across the university, college, National Schools Programme, school and charity sector to offer balance in terms of experience, gender, sector and geographic representation. The group meets 2-3 times per year to support the Development Manager and Learning and Development Coordinator to ensure that the objectives and deliverables of SCAPP are met in full and in line with budgets and timeframes. Individual members may also be members of SCAPP’s Working Groups – Articulation, Professional Learning and Development, Evaluation and Research, and Events.
Current members for 2024-2025:
- Kenny Anderson, Director SWAP West (Acting Chair)
- Alice Smith, Assistant Director, LEAPS
- Anna Wallace, Senior Policy Advisor, Scottish Funding Council
- Eve Lewis, Director, SPARQS
- John McGilp, Headteacher, Coltness Academy
- Patricia Anderson, Development Manager, SCAPP
- Jill Christie, Learning and Development Coordinator, SCAPP
- Shona Barrie, Director of Admissions and Access, University of Stirling
- Lisa Baxter, Student Association & University Partnerships Manager, Forth Valley College
- One manager from each SHEP in the NSP also attends on a rotational basis
The role of the SCAPP Steering Group is to:
- Provide support, direction and input to the development and implementation of SCAPP’s aims and objectives;
- Provide oversight and support to ensure SCAPP meets the outcomes from the SFC Offer of Grant;
- Provide development and support to staff employed by SCAPP;
- Ensure a robust approach to risk management and mitigation;
- Ensure SCAPP is operating within its budget responsibilities and limits;
- Maintain regular communication with the Commissioner for Fair Access to seek input and support or to update on the business of SCAPP;
- Champion SCAPP and encourage practitioners to become active members of its community.
The role of the Chair of the Steering Group is to:
- Provide strategic leadership to the Steering Group and encourage active engagement from members;
- Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for SCAPP;
- Conduct Steering Group meetings by agreeing the agenda, reviewing and inputting to supporting papers as required by working closely with the SCAPP Development Manager and Learning and Development Coordinator and ensuring the smooth running of meetings;
- Provide focus and direction to the Steering Group to ensure that appropriate actions and activity are undertaken to enable continuity and progress by SCAPP in line with the aims objectives outlined in its SFC Offer of Grant;
- Liaise with the Commissioner for Fair Access on any issues pertinent to the business of SCAPP;
- Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate;
- Ensure there is a practitioner voice at the centre of SCAPP’s activities;
- Maintain a relationship with the host institution for any issues related to the business and operations of SCAPP;
- Correspond and/or meet with the Development Manager as required between Steering Group meetings to provide additional support and guidance.
- A Deputy Chair will be nominated from within the Steering Group to act on behalf of and support the Chair should they be unable to perform their role for whatever reason. The Deputy Chair would not naturally succeed to the role of Chair.
Person Specification
- Demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to widening access and participation, and to the achievement of SCAPP’s aims and objectives
- Current knowledge and understanding of the national Scottish Fair Access landscape and the issues affecting it
- Experience of leadership and management, and understanding of, widening access and participation activities, practitioner roles, teams or organisations
- Experience of chairing groups, meetings and events
- Experience of identifying funding streams and identifying opportunities for income generation
- Strong networking capabilities that can support and benefit SCAPP
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role including travel, where necessary
Term
- The Chair will be in post for a period of 3 years in the first instance which may be renewed for up to two additional years
- This position is not remunerated but SCAPP will cover reasonable expenses (such as travel) incurred by the Chair
- Meetings would take place 2-3 times a year with a duration of approximately 2 hours per meeting either in person or online subject to availability
- Other additional meetings may be required in between to maintain contact and keep abreast of developments and news which may affect the business of SCAPP
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email a current CV and a statement of no more than 1000 words outlining how they meet the person specification by Fri 28 March 2025 to scapp@stir.ac.uk. Interviews will take place in April (dates to be decided).
Informal enquiries about this position can be made to Kenny Anderson, SCAPP Acting Chair (kenny.swapwest@gmail.com) or Patricia Anderson, SCAPP Development Manager (patricia.anderson@stir.ac.uk).
Applications will be shared with steering group members for the purpose of this recruitment process and will be treated in accordance with SCAPP’s privacy policy.
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