28 August 2026
Professor David Hillier Announced as SDS Interim Chair
Professor David Hillier has been appointed Interim Chair of Skills Development Scotland (SDS), beginning his one-year appointment on 1 October 2026. He succeeds Frank Mitchell, whose term as Chair ends on 30 September.
Professor Hillier has been a member of the SDS Board since 2020 and has chaired its Finance and Operational Performance Committee since 2022. His existing knowledge of the organisation provides continuity as SDS develops its new strategic plan and considers its future priorities.
SDS is Scotland’s national skills body, supporting people and businesses to develop and apply their skills and contributing to sustainable economic growth. With more than 1,300 colleagues working in schools and communities across Scotland, it plays an important role in careers services, apprenticeships, employability, skills development and workforce planning.
The organisation works with partners to ensure people have the skills and confidence to enter and progress in the world of work, while helping employers access the skills they need to support productivity and inclusive growth. SDS is also committed to fair work and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
For careers and employability professionals, the leadership change comes at an important time as Scotland responds to changing labour-market needs and develops a more responsive skills system. The priorities set through SDS’s new strategic plan will be particularly relevant to those working across careers guidance, education, skills and employment.
Read more about the appointment of Professor David Hillier.
Professor Hillier has been a member of the SDS Board since 2020 and has chaired its Finance and Operational Performance Committee since 2022. His existing knowledge of the organisation provides continuity as SDS develops its new strategic plan and considers its future priorities.
SDS is Scotland’s national skills body, supporting people and businesses to develop and apply their skills and contributing to sustainable economic growth. With more than 1,300 colleagues working in schools and communities across Scotland, it plays an important role in careers services, apprenticeships, employability, skills development and workforce planning.
The organisation works with partners to ensure people have the skills and confidence to enter and progress in the world of work, while helping employers access the skills they need to support productivity and inclusive growth. SDS is also committed to fair work and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
For careers and employability professionals, the leadership change comes at an important time as Scotland responds to changing labour-market needs and develops a more responsive skills system. The priorities set through SDS’s new strategic plan will be particularly relevant to those working across careers guidance, education, skills and employment.
Read more about the appointment of Professor David Hillier.
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