New chairman of FV College
Ross relishes the challenges ahead
Forth Valley College has a new chairman.
Ross Martin, was previously chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and before that policy director with the centre for Scottish Public Policy.
He took up his position at the college yesterday (Tuesday) having been welcomed by FVC principal Dr Ken Thomson and Scotland’s Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Shirley-Anne Somerville.
The appointment – which is regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland - will be for four years and will run until July 31, 2021.
Board chair is a part-time post with a remuneration of £200 per day, for a time commitment of two days per week.
Mr Martin, from Falkirk, replaces Hugh Hall who served the college as chair for eight years and recently became principal of Fife College.
Mr Martin is said to have a long track record of developing and delivering innovation in a range of sectors and he has experience of working with businesses, Government, schools, councils and other colleges and universities, such as West Lothian College and Heriot Watt University.
He said: “I am delighted to be appointed to chair of the board of my local college, particularly considering its well-earned, sector-leading reputation for continuing to work closely with employers through its very highly regarded strategy ‘Making Learning Work’.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the other members of the board, with Ken and his great staff team to build on the excellent work already done, helping to deliver even greater success for Forth Valley’s students in support of the regional economy.”
Dr Ken Thomson said: “We are excited at the thought of working closely with Ross to further enhance the success we have had in recent years.
“Ross is an experienced leader with a proven track record in public policy, public service reform and an extensive knowledge of business and government.
“He is the ideal person to fill this important leadership role and steer the ship as we begin the development of our new Falkirk Campus and in delivering our new Strategy to 2022.
“In 2014 we embarked upon our ambitious and award-winning ‘Making Learning Work’ mission and we are confident Ross will help us realise our 2022 vision for the college by building on all the great work that has gone on during the last few years.”
Ross is an experienced leader with proven track record in public policy Ken Thomson