Paul is currently an independent consultant (MacraeSmart Consulting) with a particular focus on Scotland’s College sector. He is also on the Board of GCRB and of Arts and Business Scotland. Up until the end of 2018 he was with the Scottish Government as the Deputy Director of the College Policy, Young Workforce and SFC Sponsorship Division. Prior to this Paul helped deliver over £300m of CAP investment in Scottish farming, directed the programme for establishing Historic Environment Scotland, held several posts senior posts in the Justice Directorate of the Scottish Government, developed the Scottish Executive’s first anti-racism campaign, was a senior press officer working for Scottish Ministers and was the first head of rail policy in post-devolution Scotland. Before joining the then Scottish Office in 1998 Paul held a number of posts with Scottish Homes, the national housing agency, after spending several years as an academic, finishing up as a lecturer in the Politics Department at Edinburgh University during which time he gained his PhD. Paul is married, has two grown up sons and lives in Berwickshire.

Ross holds the position of Chair of Forth Valley College Board and a number of other Non-Exec positions including Chair of the Link Group; Member of Scottish Water’s Net Zero Panel; and Advisor to AAI Employability and FuelChange. As an Economic Agitator, he advises on regional economies, assists governments at all levels in the design, development and delivery of policy frameworks and practical interventions aimed at transitioning to Inclusive Growth. Ross is currently focused on the regional economies working with governments, local authorities and other organisations. Shaping sub-regional interventions in a number of other areas with a range of national agencies are ongoing projects.

Willie was Regional Chair of Ayrshire College from 2013-2022 along with Board Member positions at both College Development Network and Colleges Scotland from 2014-2022. As Deputy Chair of Scottish Enterprise, he is also Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and held a temporary board member position at the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board. Willie was also appointed to the board of Skills Development Scotland in 2016 where he is Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee. In 2020, he was appointed Chair of hub South West Scotland Limited and in 2021 he became a Non exec Board Member of Prestwick Aviation Holdings Limited where he is also Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.

Recruited to provide administration support to the Economic Regional Growth Project on a part-time basis, Jennifer is an experienced PA and marketing professional. Prior to having a family, Jennifer held the position of Marketing Manager at Clydebank College from 1997 – 2005. With recent roles as a PA and in volunteering, she is delighted to return to the college sector supporting the delivery of this project.

Vicky has been part of the CDN team since 2018 leading CDN’s work in leadership, governance and research. Prior to this Vicky worked in international education and business development for 7 years promoting the work of colleges both within the UK and around the world. She is a big advocate for collaborative working and is passionate about the impact our colleges make within the wider tertiary education system.