Public appointment: Interim Chair extended on the Ayrshire College Board

The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary, Ben Macpherson, today announced the extension to the appointment of Sharon Morrow as Interim Chair of the Board of Ayrshire College.

Interim Chair

Sharon Morrow, who has served as a Non-Executive Board Member of Ayrshire College since 2021 and as Interim Chair of the Board of Management since July 2025, has been approved by the Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education to continue in the role until a substantive Chair is recruited.

Building on her first year as Interim Chair, Sharon will continue to provide vital leadership and continuity, drawing on her expertise in strategic leadership, governance and financial oversight. She will work closely with the Board, staff and student representatives to advance the College's core ambitions and deliver on regional skills priorities.

Sharon said:

"I am very pleased to accept this further term as Interim Chair and remain deeply committed to driving innovation and collaboration, while supporting our staff to deliver the skills that meet the needs of the Ayrshire economy. I am equally committed to ensuring the highest quality learning and teaching experience for our students and learners."

Appointment

This appointment was originally for 12 months, from 21 July 2025, and has now been extended for a further 12 months from 22 July 2026.

This appointment and extension are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £265 per day for a time commitment of 104 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Sharon is a Member on the Board of NHS Ayrshire & Arran, for which she receives remuneration of £422 per day, for a time commitment of 52 days per year.

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. 

Sharon has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Ayrshire College is one of the largest colleges in Scotland, formed in 2013 from the merger of the former Ayr and Kilmarnock Colleges and the Ayrshire campuses of the former James Watt College. The College operates across three main campuses in the towns of Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning, and a Skills Centre of Excellence located in Irvine Royal Academy. 

The ambition for Ayrshire College is to continue to be an inspirational place of learning where individuals can excel and realise their full potential. A place where businesses and communities can access skills, expertise and innovation that supports local and national economic development and inclusive growth.