The Colleges Scotland Board has appointed Dr Graeme Jackson as Interim CEO of the membership organisation following the departure of Shona Struthers.

Graeme brings strategic leadership and management experience to Colleges Scotland, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development (CFCIPD), and Member of the Association for Project Management.

Dr Waiyin Hatton, Chair of Colleges Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Graeme has joined Colleges Scotland as Interim CEO at this critical phase in the organisation’s development. Graeme has a huge amount of experience in strategic change and the Board appreciate his experience across a wide range of different organisations which will be very beneficial to Colleges Scotland over the coming year.

“Colleges in Scotland are facing some really tough challenges in terms of falling investment, while the demand for education and training increases from learners and employers. The landscape around colleges is changing at pace and Graeme brings a wide range of talent and skills to Colleges Scotland as the sector’s representative body at a critical time for the college sector.”

Graeme has previously served in senior leadership and HR roles with the Registers of Scotland, the Ambulance Service, the Ministry of Defence and with international experience from working with the governments and administrations in Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands and the Cayman Islands. In 2023 Graeme won the Leadership Excellence Award from the Institute of Leadership.

Graeme said: “Having led transformation programmes over several years the potential for Colleges Scotland to bring home the value and impact of college education to communities in Scotland is clear. As Interim CEO at Colleges Scotland I am eager to collaborate closely with the dedicated staff and the Board to maximise the organisations impact while listening to and engaging with our members’.

"Stepping into this role, the recent Audit Scotland report highlighting a 17% reduction in college funding since 2021/22 is concerning. Our members are facing a broad range of challenges, but with the support of the Scottish Government, I am confident that as a sector we can tackle these issues together. I am looking forward to working quickly and collaboratively with all stakeholders and partners who share my commitment to education and training, recognising both the life-changing opportunities that a college experience provides and the significant economic benefits it brings to Scotland."