IoD Scotland January 2024

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DIRECTION | POLICY VOICE www.iod.com/scotland Tell government what you think Policy Voice is a monthly survey of IoD members who share their views on current business issues, providing statistical evidence and anecdotal detail on the issues that matter to business. Members receive monthly invitations to participate in each survey. Recent success stories n We pushed government to reconsider the Retained EU Law Bill based on member concerns. They are now amending the bill to provide business with better certainty. n 88% of IoD members favoured the development of a meaningful industrial strategy, so we called for an industrial strategy focused on innovation n Around half of business leaders believe that ESG is important. 42% stated the E, S and G were equally important, while 26% emphasised governance above all. n We responded to the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee call for evidence on exportled growth, citing member data n 46% of business leaders told us skills and labour shortages are negatively impacting their business. n Our latest data on confidence in UK economy shows that 22% of directors are optimistic versus 55% pessimistic. SHARE YOUR VIEWS When do you think inflation will peak? Do you measure your carbon footprint? How ambitious is your organisation for growth? Policy Voice is a key member benefit and we’d like to hear from you. Click here Policy Voice: Outlook for 2024 When asked through Policy Voice at the back end of 2023, IoD members highlighted certain global risks that they felt were the most concerning for their business as they looked towards 2024. The most common comment centred around AI and technological advancements, reinforcing the sentiment that many members view this as an opportunity, rather than a risk. “There are significant parts of the work that we do for our clients that could potentially be fulfilled by AI” said one respondent, but another said their concern around AI was “not so much the misuse of AI, but more failing to grasp the opportunities its presents.” Many members also noted that current domestic political instability, potentially exacerbated by the upcoming election, was a concern for them. “Far more than the global events, the biggest risk is continued political instability and chaos in the UK. We just need a stable, competent, professional and ethical UK government, which will then stabilise the UK economy. Top priority. Anything global is a long way behind this national problem.” Another said: “The instability and lack of focus in the UK government is a concern.” Members also mentioned the climate change, and the strain turbulent weather is having on their businesses, as being a worry. “Governments around the world seem to be getting cold feet about the actions required to avoid the impending climate meltdown.” A respondent from Scotland’s water supply, sewerage and waste management sector said: “Extreme weather is putting enormous strain our business.” Skills shortages were also highlighted as a concern for business leaders. “Skilled resources are becoming scarcer to find, so internal development and apprentices are the main way we are addressing this issue. The short term (
www.iod.com/scotland IoD NEWS | DIRECTION SQA signs Articulation Agreement with the Open University The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has signed an agreement with the Open University (OU) which will allow learners from across the country who have completed its Higher National Certificates, and Diplomas – including SQA’s next generation of Higher National qualifications (NextGen:HN) – to progress on to OU degree programmes at advanced levels. The Articulation Agreement between SQA and the OU means learners who achieve a SQA Higher National Certificate or Diploma will be able to progress, or articulate, on to year two or year three of a related BA/BSc Open Degree with Honours at the OU. Learners holding a SQA HNC who have amassed 120 credits on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) will now be able to transfer those credits and gain exemption for modules at OU Level 1, granting them access to year two of an OU degree programme. Learners who hold a SQA HND and amassed 240 credits, will be able to gain exemption for modules at OU Level 1, and OU Level 2, gaining access to year three. The next generation of Higher National qualifications SQA’s existing portfolio of Higher National Certificates, and Diplomas have always provided learners with qualifications that meet the needs of employers, and this agreement enables Steven McGeever, Senior Partnerships Manager at Open University in Scotland and Dr Gill Stewart, SQA Director of Qualifications those individuals to continue their learning journey with the OU. SQA’s NextGen:HN are the next iteration of Higher National qualifications and have been designed to give learners the skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace. The new certificates and diplomas support lifelong learning by promoting the acquisition of meta-skills – the skills necessary to learn and apply new knowledge quickly – while also developing critical industry, and subject specific skills. Currently there are 20 new NextGen:HN courses being piloted in colleges and training providers across Scotland, covering subjects such as Accounting, Networking and Cloud Infrastructure, Social Services, and Software Development. Flexible approach to learning The OU is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning. Since it began in 1969, the OU has taught more than 2.2 million students worldwide and currently has over 205,000 students, including more than 21,000 in Scotland. Speaking about the agreement, Dr Gill “This agreement demonstrates the value of our Higher National qualifications, including the NextGen:HN, and recognises the skills, knowledge, and experience that the learners who hold them have achieved...” Stewart, SQA Director of Qualifications Development, said: “The Open University is renowned for its flexible approach to learning, and through its acceptance of the SQA HNC/D as an entry qualification into years two and three of its aligned degree programmes, we will hope to see wider access to higher education in a manner that suits learners’ needs, improves attainment, and ultimately helps learners achieve their career goals.” “This agreement demonstrates the value of our Higher National qualifications, including the NextGen:HN, and recognises the skills, knowledge, and experience that the learners who hold them have achieved over the course of their studies. We will work closely with our centres – schools, colleges, and training providers – to help them and their learners make the most of opportunities available to them through this partnership.” Steven McGeever, Senior Partnerships Manager at the Open University in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be entering into this agreement with SQA, which highlights a mutual commitment to widening access to degree level study and providing pathways for students who want to build on previous study at college.” “At the Open University we recognise the value of SQA HNC and HND qualifications, which are designed to meet the needs of industry and prepare students for further study, and this agreement demonstrates how students who’ve completed an HNC or HND can use the credit they’ve achieved towards our BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree and study by flexible distance learning in a way that suits them.” To find out more about SQA’s next generation of Higher National qualifications, visit www.sqa.org.uk/nextgen. JANUARY 2024 23
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IoD Scotland January 2024

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