Skills guru Lord Sandy Leitch of Oakley has been named honorary chancellor by the board of management of Carnegie College.
College principal Professor Bill McIntosh said, “The honorary role of Chancellor of Carnegie College is bestowed on an individual of considerable standing who has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the mission, vision and strategic direction of the college.
“Who better then to take up this post than the very person who wrote the book on skills development?”
Lord Leitch, who was raised in the west Fife mining village of Oakley, is one of the UK’s most experienced, influential and respected business leaders, with a distinguished career in the insurance and financial services sectors.
He is currently chairman of Bupa, Intrinsic Financial Services and Scottish Widows and is also deputy chairman at Lloyds Banking Group.
A nationally recognised figure on skills, in 2006 he published the Leitch Review of Skills in the UK, an independent strategic review advising the government on the UK’s optimum skills mix in order to maximise economic growth, productivity and social justice.
Accepting the position of honorary chancellor, Lord Leitch said, “I feel extremely privileged to have been given the opportunity to offer my services in supporting the college.
“In today’s grim economic conditions and in tomorrow’s increasingly global economy, I strongly believe that skills will be the key driver for delivering sustained economic performance.
“Carnegie is a remarkable college at the very forefront of its field, respecting its traditions but also leading on innovation. “Fife stands at the forefront of economic and industrial change in Scotland.
“We are fortunate to have one of the best colleges in the land.
“It will support the development of the skills that will act as the catalyst in the delivery of economic recovery.
“I look forward to supporting Carnegie College as we work to create sustainable futures for the people and communities of Fife and beyond.”
Graham Bowstead, chairman of the board of management, added that the appointment came at a time when the college needed to meet the challenges of balancing unprecedented cuts in funding against extraordinary demand for places as a result of a growing population and increased economic activity in such sectors as the renewable energy industry.
“In Lord Leitch, we have found the ultimate ambassador for skills,” he said.
“He will not only act as a figurehead for the college’s activities but will provide invaluable advice to our board of management, principal and executive in shaping the strategic direction of this great institution.”
Professor McIntosh said, “Everyone connected with the college is thrilled that Lord Leitch has accepted this position.
“The visible support from such a respected individual as our honorary chancellor is a vote of confidence in the important role that Carnegie College plays.”
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user syvar.