Public appointment: Chair reappointed to Edinburgh College Board

The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education today announced the reappointment of Nora Senior as Chair of the Edinburgh College Board.

 

Chair

Nora Senior CBE DL brings executive leadership, financial and governance experience to Edinburgh College. During a 30-year international business career, she was latterly Group Executive Chair of international consultancy Weber Shandwick, with responsibility across 75 offices, 2,500 employees and revenues of more than £285 million, leading growth, restructuring and organisational change. Her non-executive career spans higher education (Vice Chair University of Nottingham), skills, economic development (Chair East Midlands Freeport) and public bodies, with a strong focus on strategy, financial oversight and performance. A former Chair of the Scottish Government's Strategic Board for Enterprise and Skills and President of the British Chambers of Commerce, she brings deep understanding of the links between education, employers and economic growth. At a time of financial pressure across the college sector, she brings a particular focus on sustainability, effective governance, partnership and future ambition.

 

Reappointment

This reappointment will be for 4 years and will run from 4 July 2026 to 3 July 2030.

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

 

Remuneration

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £330 per day for a time commitment of 104 days per year.

 

Other ministerial appointments

Nora Senior is the Chair of the East Midlands Freeport, which attracts a renumeration of £65,000.00 per annum for time commitment of 4 days per month, and a Lead Non-Executive Director for FCDO UK Government, which attracts a remuneration of £1,000 per day for a time commitment of 20 days per annum.

 

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 has had no political activity within the last five years.

 

Background

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.