Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Edinburgh College Board

The Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn today announced the appointment of Nora Senior CBE as Chair of the Edinburgh College Board.

Chair

Over the course of a 30-year career in industry, Nora Senior CBE has held a number of senior leadership positions, latterly as Group Executive Chair of global communications and government relations consultancy, Weber Shandwick, and previously with Saatchi and Saatchi. In these roles, she has advised clients across a wide range of sectors, including ports, property/construction, energy, finance, healthcare, technology and FMCG, delivering multi-country programmes including China, Europe, the USA and Africa. A former Businesswoman of the Year, Nora Senior CBE has extensive experience at non-exec board level in both public and private sector organisations, having been Chair of the Scottish Government’s independent Enterprise and Skills Board and as President of British Chambers of Commerce. She is currently a Board Member of International Chambers of Commerce, which has UN observer status and is an external member of the House of Lords Commission.  She was a Commissioner on the College of the Future four nation’s review and is Vice Chair of Council at the University of Nottingham. She was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2017 for services to British business.

Appointment

The appointment of Nora Senior CBE will be for 4 years and will run from 4 July 2022 until 3 July 2026.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £330.00 per day for a time commitment of up to 2 days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Nora Senior CBE is a member of the National Strategy for Economic transformation which attracts a renumeration of £3000.00 per annum for time commitment of 1 day per month.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Nora Senior CBE has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background of the College

Edinburgh College officially opened in 2012 following regionalisation of Scotland’s college system.  The College offers a wide range of courses and training opportunities that serve the people, communities and employers across Edinburgh and the Lothians and beyond. The College operates from four campuses - Granton, Midlothian, Sighthill and Milton Road.

The College is responsible for the delivery of academic, vocational, technical and professional education qualifications and skills training in a region that accounts for over 12% of the total population of Scotland. Working in partnership with employers and other stakeholders to focus on providing the best opportunities which meet demand in key industry sectors in the region and beyond and working with around 2,000 industry partners. The College ensures that its students develop the right skills and positive attitudes to support  local, regional and national workforce needs, and plays a key role in helping to develop both Edinburgh, and national economy.