University of the Highlands and Islands welcomes new appointees
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has appointed four new independent members to its governing body, including the Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland. UHI will welcome Alex Paterson, Helen MacInnes, Allan Clow and Heather Offord to its Court this week. The new appointees will join existing Court members in providing counsel on UHI’s strategic direction.
Alex Paterson holds the position of Chief Executive Officer of Historic Environment Scotland. In his previous role as Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, he was responsible for the development of key national sectors, contributing to community and business growth. His experience also stretches into the commercial sector, spending his early career with Esso Chemicals, Volvo and Scottish Enterprise.
Based in South Uist and Glasgow, Helen MacInnes is currently the Principal of Land Access and Acquisitions at the global green energy company, Fortescue Future Industries. She previously worked in the Land Team at SSE Renewables and Scottish Water. A passionate advocate for Gaelic, she has previously organised local festivals through her organisation ‘Modrun’, fostering connections between Gaelic speakers and musicians, and has contributed as a presenter for Gaelic TV and radio programmes.
Allan Clow is a Chartered Management Accountant who has held senior finance roles in a range of private sector organisations, including CHAP Holdings and Havelock Europa. Based in Loch Broom, he is currently the Managing Director of Bancon Homes and Bancon Construction. He also serves as a non-executive director of Glencraft Mattresses, a not-for-profit social enterprise company which provides employment for visually impaired and other disadvantaged people.”
Based in Glasgow with roots in Oban, Heather Offord is the Director of the business consultancy firm One4Growth. She has provided consultancy services to the British Society of Interventional Radiologists, Canterbury University, Community Justice Scotland and STV. She is also a committee member of Scottish Women in Business, a trustee of the Glasgow Care Foundation and a consultant for Thriving Survivors, a charity which supports all survivors of trauma.
UHI has also welcomed Paul Travill, former Global Academic Registrar at Heriot Watt University and Liz Stewart, Financial Controller at SSE Renewables, the largest division of SSE plc, as co-opted independent members of Court committees.
The new appointees, who will participate on a voluntary basis, were selected following a recruitment campaign and selection process which attracted a substantial response, including interest from international candidates.
Welcoming the news, Alastair MacColl, UHI’s Chair of Court, said: “Our new Court members come from a range of backgrounds and bring a vast amount of experience. What they all have in common is an overwhelming commitment to the outcomes we achieve for our students and our regions. Along with our existing Court members, these outstanding appointees will help UHI continue to make learning mean more, for each and every one of our students and the communities we serve.”