Standards and Frameworks Group
The Standards and Frameworks Group (SFG) which forms part of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) provides leadership and oversight of standards and framework development for apprenticeships in Scotland, to ensure they are demand and employer led.
The SFG oversees the Apprenticeship Approvals Group (AAG), an independent industry-led group with delegated authority from Scottish Ministers – granted through the SFG - to review, evaluate and approve all new and revised apprenticeships including Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.
The roles and responsibilities of the SFG are to:
- Provide strategic oversight of standards and framework development for apprenticeships in Scotland, to ensure they are demand and employer led.
- Provide leadership and strategic direction to SG, SFC and SDS on the shape of frameworks, standards, and quality approaches to apprenticeships.
- Provide insight guidance and leadership of apprenticeship development priorities, ensure effective prioritisation is aligned to employer need.
- Scrutinise and oversee the AAG approvals plan and adapt guidance based on AAG feedback.
- Oversee processes to ensure quality outcomes from the design through to the development of frameworks.
- Encourage employers to engage in apprenticeship development and promote the benefits of the employer-led approaches.
SAAB Standards and Frameworks Group (SFG) - Extended Terms of Reference 2026.
Standards and Frameworks Group Membership
The SFG is chaired by Dr Jacqueline Hall, Head of Apprenticeships & Skills at BAE Systems.
Jacqueline has been involved in apprenticeship design and delivery both in England & Scotland for more than 10 years, both in the development of standards to meet industry needs, qualifications, synoptic assessment, underpinned by inspection and evaluation experience.
Jacqueline is currently a member of the SAAB Standards & Frameworks group because ahe is passionate about the need for high quality apprenticeships that meet not only the needs of business now and in the future but importantly create life chances and opportunities for all.
More information
| Name | Role | Organisation |
| Dr Jacqueline Hall (Chair) | Head of Apprenticeships & Skills | BAE Systems |
| Allan Colquhoun | University Liaison and Emerging Technologies Manager | Leonardo MW Ltd |
| Judy Preece | Apprenticeship Performance & Quality Manager | SSE |
| Jim Fingland | Head of Learning and Development | Allied Vehicle Group |
| Roddy Sutherland | Apprenticeship Development Manager | Lloyds Banking Group |
| Ryan Reed | Head of Programme: Learning Strategy and Collaboration | NHS Education for Scotland |
| Lisa Naples | Internal Auditor | NatWest |
| David Whitehouse | Business Performance Director | Doosan Babcock |
| Doreen Davidson | Governor/Board Member | Edinburgh University/ Scottish Lifesciences Association |
| George Brown | Head of SQA Accreditation | SQA Accreditation |
| Paul Mitchell | Operations Director | Scottish Building Federation |
| Ruth Jennings | Skills Executive | Rugby Association |
| Stuart McKenna | Chief Executive | Scottish Training Federation |
| Stuart Millar | Director - Education, Contracts and Business Development | Colleges Scotland |
| Prof Quintin Cutts | Professor of Computer Science Education | University of Glasgow, rep. Universities Scotland |
| Dr Jacqueline Hall | Head of Apprenticeships and Skills | BAE Systems |
| Tommy Breslin | Development Officer | Scottish Union Learning |
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TBC
View full Terms of Reference.
Contact the SAAB team
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