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Regional chairs for the college sector now in place.

New legislation ensuring fairer access to university for students from poorer backgrounds for the first time has come into effect this week.

The commencement of the Post 16 Education (Scotland) Act also marks the start of a new era for the college sector, with ten colleges given new regional responsibilities.

Regional chairs have been appointed to ensure each area has a strong voice as the regionals interact with employers, Higher Education and each other.

Strengthened governance arrangements, including a stronger voice for students on college boards are also in place, something NUS Scotland have campaigned for many years to achieve.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“This is a historic time for Scottish education with some of the most progressive measures in a generation taking effect. Our universities and colleges have a proud history and reputation. The commencement of the Act builds on these strengths.

“For students, the Act will deliver fairer access to university, supporting widening access agreements between universities and the Scottish Funding Council. Students will also have a stronger voice on college boards, making good our promise to put learners at the centre.

“The Act also strengthens college governance, putting in place new arrangements that will enable them to focus more sharply than ever on equipping students with the right skills to succeed in the workplace.

“I am delighted to welcome the new regional chairs, who have been appointed through a rigorous, open and transparent public appointments process. I am confident that they are the right people to lead the sector as we look to develop a truly world class vocational education system.”

Notes to editors

The Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013 received Royal Assent on 7 August 2013. The provisions in the Act are being commenced in several stages. The provisions brought into place on 3 March 2014 include:

The regional chair appointments are as follows:

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire - Ken Milroy
Ayrshire - Willie Mackie
Borders - Anthony Jakimciw
Central - Hugh Hall
Dumfries and Galloway - Brian Johnstone
Edinburgh - Ian McKay
Fife - Stephen Magee
Glasgow - Henry McLeish
Lanarkshire - Linda McTavish
West - Keith McKellar
West Lothian - Janie McCusker

No suitable candidate was identified for the Tayside region. David Sawers, board member at Dundee and Angus college, will undertake this role on an interim basis pending the outcome of a further appointment round.

There is no appointment for the chair of the Highlands and Islands college region as this is not a Ministerial appointment.