SSERC | Who we are

SSERC, formally constituted as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and a registered Scottish Charity set up for the benefit of Scottish Education. All 32 Scottish Local Authorities are members of the company. Although in existence since 1965, SSERC was formally incorporated and registered as a charity in 1991. SSERC’s services are complex, highly specific and unique in Scottish education.

Our headquarters are currently in Dunfermline, although our reach is across all parts of Scotland.

SSERC Board of Directors and Trustees

Our Board of Directors comprises elected members from Scottish councils, senior education officers and representatives from The Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, School Leaders Scotland, The Association of Head Teachers and Deputes in Scotland, and the Scottish Parliament. The Board meets on a quarterly basis.

To view the declaration of interest of each Board member – click on the link that follows:

SSERC Board declaration of interest

Click on the Images for details of each member.

Alistair Wylie Interim Chair

Alistair has a career in education spanning 30 years. He is currently Managing Director of Bell-Wylie Consulting, a multi-disciplinary education consulting company based in Scotland. He was previously Head of Service at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) where he had responsibility for Technology, Engineering, Construction and Creative subjects covering both the school and vocational areas. In addition, he had responsibility for significant regulated qualifications activity across the rest of the UK market and internationally. He completed his postgraduate teacher training in Business Studies and Economics at Jordanhill College before starting his teaching career in secondary schools. He progressed to teaching in further and higher education for 10 years before joining SQA in 2004 as a National Manager. More recently, he has been based in Abu Dhabi working at federal level as a technical expert supporting qualifications development and quality assurance. He is the board liaison for SSERC’s international development aspirations.

Over the course of 20 years, he has written and published more than 15 educational textbooks for Hodder Gibson. He is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde and the University of Stirling and has an on-going passion for all things related to education, qualifications and assessment. He has a keen professional interest in credential evaluation since first becoming involved with The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals (TAICEP) in 2018 when he presented at its international conference. He is currently a member of the Outreach and Engagement Committee and the Conference Planning Committee. He is also a non-executive director on the boards of greenspace scotland and Perth College UHI.

Outside of work, Alistair enjoys keeping fit by cycling and takes an active interest in the educational progress of his nieces and nephews.

Paul Downie Board Member

Born and brought up in Glasgow, Paul is currently Faculty Head of Science at Shawlands Academy.

Having benefited from a range of SSERC professional Learning throughout his career, Paul is passionate about STEM and science education.

Paul was named the Royal Society of Biology Teacher of the Year in 2021, an award which recognizes outstanding and inspirational teaching. Following this award, Paul was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of the impact that his contribution to science education has had at a local, and national level.

Paul has experience as Lead STEM Officer and Curricular Lead for Science across Glasgow City Council, and has been involved in Education Scotland’s STEM LA Leads Network and the West of Scotland STEM Partnership Group. Paul was part of the Young STEM Leader Programme Steering Group during it’s initial pilot and facilitated young people to attend the youth steering group.

Paul is passionate about the use of digital technology to enhance learning and teaching, and is a member of the Glasgow City Council Digital Learning Team and Digital Strategy Group. Having been previously seconded to the West Partnership Regional Improvement Collaborative, Paul worked alongside senior colleagues in the West Partnership to create West OS. In the midst of a national emergency, responding to a global pandemic, this project was quickly scaled up to provide the recorded element of the National e Learning Offer. Paul is the creator and host of The Higher Biology Podcast, which connects young people with some of the country’s leading experts. The podcast, having developed partnerships with Leckie, Education Scotland and Young Scot is available on all major platforms and listened to globally in 100+ countries.

Paul is happiest spending time with his wife, daughter, family and friends.

Gillian Eaves Board Member

Gillian Eaves is an Education Support Officer for STEM and Learning for Sustainability within Fife Council. Gillian also has a remit within the Fife Professional Learning Team, collaborating with schools and practitioners across Fife to support improvements in learning, teaching and assessment.

Gillian’s first degree was a BSc Hons. in Anatomy at the University of Dundee before studying for a PGDE in Secondary Education at the University of Edinburgh.

Gillian has worked for Fife Education and Children’s Services for 15 years, starting her career as a biology and science teacher at Viewforth High School. She has a passion for developing learning and teaching practice, and took a lead role in the delivery of in-house CLPL for all staff at Viewforth for several years before joining the Fife Pedagogy Team in 2019. Gillian has attained GTCS accreditation in practitioner enquiry, supporting teacher learning, coaching and middle leadership to date. In 2021, she was delighted to take on a new role for the Fife Professional Learning Team leading on STEM and Learning for Sustainability, which combines her passions for science and pedagogy. Gillian is a strong advocate for inspiring young people around the opportunities of future STEM pathways and ensuring that these are maximised through a STEM for All -inclusive approach. She is relentless in her ambition for learners in Scotland to develop the necessary skills for learning, life and work that will ensure they secure a flourishing future.

Outside of work, Gillian enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is never far away from the water following her years of competitive club swimming, lifeguarding and swimming teaching.

Although not from a science background myself I am very interested in ensuring schools and educational settings can promote STEM study and careers to ensure the skills we will need as a nation in the future can be achieved.

Senior Management Team

The SSERC Senior Management Team has the responsibility for the day today running of the organisation and putting in place the actions required to achieve the vision set for the organisation. They hold specific executive powers delegated to them with and by authority of the SSERC Board of Directors.

To view the declaration of interest, click on: Declaration of Interest extract