The Colleges Scotland Board has appointed Gavin Donoghue as the new permanent CEO of Colleges Scotland, the advocacy and membership organisation for all 24 colleges in Scotland. 

Gavin, currently director of the college sector employers’ organisation College Employers Scotland, has also previously served in senior roles at the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Renewables.

Dr Waiyin Hatton, Trustee of Colleges Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Gavin into the role of CEO at Colleges Scotland. He is bringing with him the deep knowledge and experience as Director of College Employers Scotland, and I am confident he will bring the same vision and energy to Colleges Scotland as a whole. His expertise and commitment to colleges make him the perfect choice to lead us into the future.”

Gavin said: “It is a privilege and an honour to lead the team of dedicated staff at Colleges Scotland at this critical time for our members.

“In my time at College Employers Scotland, I have seen at first-hand the valuable work of colleges in educating learners, as fantastic workplaces for staff, and the critical role they play as anchor institutions for communities and businesses across the country.

“Colleges are the skills engines of the Scottish economy, that eradicate poverty by unlocking their learners’ potential and providing people with the skills and qualifications they need to get good jobs.

“In the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections in May next year, I look forward to helping our members advocate effectively for increased autonomy and flexibility so that colleges can respond to the needs of their regional economies.”

Gavin takes up the role on 1 June 2025. 

Dr Hatton added her thanks for the work of interim CEO, Dr Graeme Jackson. 

She said: “The Board would like to thank Dr Graeme Jackson, our interim CEO, for his hugely impactful contribution to Colleges Scotland over the past few months. Graeme brought real change to the role, and delivered many meaningful and lasting achievements in his short time with Colleges Scotland. We’re grateful for his drive and strong leadership during this time, and  crucially, reviewing and delivering on new governance arrangements which also puts the organisation on a strong footing for the future.”