SRUC - Chair

A Message from the Current Chair

There has never been a more pivotal moment for SRUC, and its institutional potential for Scotland as a whole. Under Professor Powell’s leadership, SRUC is in excellent strategic shape and has a clear sense of purpose, with a strong vision and mission that places the institution at the heart of the green recovery and driving a sustainable natural economy.

This sense of purpose has been a key factor in attracting outstanding new Non-Executive (NED) Board members. We have found that they bring a personal commitment to the challenges SRUC seeks to address, as well as excitement about supporting the institution in its ambitions as a tertiary institution. We have made a number of strong and diverse appointments which have significantly enhanced our Boardroom dynamic, strengthened our skills in supporting the institution and building an even more effective governance team. We are now ready to shift into a new phase, reflective of a fast-changing external environment and an ambitious programme of change for SRUC.

Led by the Chair, the Board supports and monitors the high-level delivery of SRUC’s ambitions and visions as set out in the Strategic Plan. The Chair’s duties include promoting the effective operation of the Board, ensuring that all members work constructively and together take responsibility for decisions, and have confidence in the procedures which are laid down for the conduct of business.

As our new Chair, you can expect to work with a group of committed, intelligent and rigorous Board members who bring deep understanding and experience from a range of sectors. The Executive Leadership Team, led by Professor Wayne Powell, are ambitious for SRUC, led by their values and bring their vision, commitment and energy to the Board in a way that engages, challenges and informs. SRUC will offer you open doors – both to colleagues and to students – and open minds in how we achieve what is best for the institution together.

This is your opportunity to be instrumental in the governance of an organisation of strategic national importance, at a period of exceptional change in the Higher Education sector and within the rural economy in Scotland, and beyond.

Sandy Cumming, CBE
Chair of the SRUC Board