Former health secretary in university role
Former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman has been given a key role at a top university.
Ms Freeman, the former MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, will join the University of Glasgow.
The Ayr-born former politician, who stood down from her post in May 2021 and didn’t stand in the last Holyrood election, takes up the part-time role of Ambassador for Community Engagement, Public Health and Innovation for the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences with immediate effect. The university say she will bring them a wealth of expertise in community engagement.
She will play an active role in the pioneering £91m Living Laboratory project in Govan, which, via collaboration with the NHS and industry partners, will see the acceleration of world-changing research into a real-world clinical setting.
Ms Freeman said:“I am delighted to join the University of Glasgow, and the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, in this new position of Ambassador for Community Engagement, Public Health and Innovation.
“The University leads many worldchanging projects all poised to create real-world impact for people, locally, nationally and internationally.”
Ms Freeman was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Carrick, Cumnock and the Doon Valley from 2016-2021.
She was Minister for Social Security from May 2016 until June 2018 and was Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport from June 2018 until May 2021.
Prof Iain McInnes, University of Glasgow Vice-Principal and Head of the College of MVLS, said:“We are absolutely delighted that someone of Ms Freeman’s calibre will be joining the College.”
The appointment was also welcomed by the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, who added:“Ms Freeman’s background as one of Scotland’s most prominent and respected politicians, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be invaluable in making a success of this new role.”