167.Paragraph 7 provides that Qualifications Scotland may appoint persons as co-opted members of Qualifications Scotland. Qualifications Scotland can have up to two co-opted members at the one time, and may only make such an appointment where Qualifications Scotland considers the appointment to be necessary to ensure that its members, as a whole, have the knowledge, skills and experience relevant to its functions. Appointments may only be made with the consent of the Scottish Ministers. Co-opted members can take part in the proceedings of Qualifications Scotland, but cannot vote in such proceedings.
168.Co-opted members of Qualifications Scotland can be appointed for a period up to 2 years. They can be reappointed to the position with the consent of the Scottish Ministers, provided that the total period of reappointment does not exceed 2 years, and their appointment is still considered to be necessary (as set out in paragraph 167 of these Notes). The exclusions that apply to the appointment of members of Qualifications Scotland (see paragraph 161 of these Notes) equally apply to the appointment and re-appointment of co-opted members.
169.In a similar manner to members of Qualifications Scotland, a co-opted member’s period of appointment will end where the person gives written notice of their resignation, where the person becomes disqualified from being appointed as a co-opted member (under sub-paragraph (7)), or where the person is removed as a member by Qualifications Scotland or the Scottish Ministers because:
	the person is apparently insolvent,
	the person has been absent without reasonable excuse from meetings for a period of longer than 6 months,
	in the opinion of Qualifications Scotland or the Scottish Ministers, the person is unable or unsuitable to continue as a co-opted member.
170.Co-opted members can be paid remuneration and allowances as set by Qualifications Scotland, with the consent of the Scottish Ministers. Other than as provided for by the Act, it is also open to Qualifications Scotland, with the consent of the Scottish Ministers, to set the terms and conditions of co-opted members.
Co-opted members