Board of Management

Scroll Down

The Board of Management is responsible for overseeing the College’s activities, determining its future direction and fostering an environment in which the College’s vision is achieved. Members are appointed following a fair, open and merit-based recruitment process, and the Board also includes the College Principal, elected members of staff and representatives of the Student Association.

Board of Management

Dr Waiyin Hatton
Chair

Dr Waiyin Hatton

Dr Waiyin Hatton is a firm believer in life-long learning and a beneficiary of formal education and continued professional development throughout her career.

Passionate about unleashing talents, Waiyin set up her own consultancy, Wai Beyond, in 2012 to inspire and nurture greatness in people, teams and organisations, delivering leadership development; coaching and Board development; acting as ‘Business Mentor’; and being a role model to women in leadership.

Prior to this, she has had extensive leadership across the public and not-for-profit sectors in health care in England, Scotland and Wales. Her last post was that of Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, describing her role as ‘creating an environment to succeed’.

A former karate international medallist, she co-founded Ayrshire Sportsability. She puts back in the community as current Chair of Colleges Scotland Board, Chair of Scottish Student Sports Equality Steering Group, Trustee of Action Against Stalking and Member of Police Scotland National Independent Strategic Advisory Group.

Waiyin was awarded Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in 2015 for her contribution to the community; and has been recognised by the Association of Scottish Business Women, winning the Best Business Charity Award in 2015 and awarded Woman of Inspiration in 2014. She was awarded Most Inspirational Motivational Speaking Company by SME UK Enterprise Award 2023.
Liz Connolly
Principal & Chief Executive

Liz Connolly

Liz was appointed as Principal of West College Scotland on 3 September 2018, she was formerly Vice-Principal Corporate Development.

She was born and brought up in the East End of Glasgow and has an honours degree and an MBA from Strathclyde University. She attended Harvard University to study Executive Development.

Liz worked for the Scottish Development Agency before its merger with the Training Agency in 1991 to become Scottish Enterprise. She then spent the next 16 years with Scottish Enterprise, becoming Chief Executive of three separate Local Enterprise Companies, as well as Operations Director for the West of Scotland.

Liz left the organization in 2010 to spend time working on charity projects, including the building of a community centre in a village in South Africa. She has since assisted in similar projects in Nepal and Cambodia.

Before joining West College Scotland, she project-managed the merger of Anniesland, Cardonald and Langside Colleges to create Glasgow Clyde College.

Liz is a board member of Colleges Scotland and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, and a Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Gordon Hunt
Non-Executive Member

Gordon Hunt

Gordon trained as an academic librarian and managed libraries in Leeds, Cambridge and Oxford before moving to Scotland as the first head of information services at the Royal Conservatoire in 1999. After a period as a director of the National Library of Scotland he became University Librarian of UWS in 2008.

In ten years at UWS he was successively Campus Director (Ayr), Director of Planning and Head of External Engagement, working with colleges, local authorities and business.

In recent years Gordon has worked in the grant-making sector supporting education projects at The Robertson Trust and the Peter Vardy Foundation, before moving to the College Development Network (CDN) in November 2020 where he is now the Head of Insight, Planning and Impact. He is also currently a member of the SFC’s Research & Knowledge Exchange Committee.

Gordon also has extensive experience in non-executive roles including as chair of the Scottish Library and Information Council, chair of audit and governance at Stow College and founding trustee and vice chair of the Ayrshire College Foundation. He has also served on the boards of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Paisley First and Wee Stories Theatre for Children.
Ronald Leitch
Non-Executive Member

Ronald Leitch

Ronald, from Paisley, started his career at Glasgow Airport as a Modern Apprentice in partnership with Reid Kerr College back in October 2000. He has held numerous senior roles at the airport and the wider AGS Airport group with a range of leadership responsibilities across our airside, rescue and fire, security, terminal, engineering, and capital investment.

From 2015 to 2019, Ronald led the Capital and Engineering functions where he was responsible for delivering capital investment programmes totalling £70 million, including the replacement of the airport’s baggage systems to meet Standard 3 compliance and also major refurbishment programmes in the terminal and airfield. Ronald also played a crucial role in bringing the iconic A380 aircraft into service at Glasgow in 2019, which was a first for Scottish aviation, using his experience in operations to lead design development and construction delivery.

Now the leader of Glasgow Airport in the role of Operations Director, he has led the business over the last two years through its most difficult time and looks forward positively to better times ahead.

With his wealth of knowledge and experience across two decades in aviation, Ronald has joined the Board with a desire to support and assist those in Education harness links with industry and be part of shaping the future of West College Scotland for its staff and students to ensure the best learning opportunities exist in the communities it serves.
Jane McKie
Non-Executive Member

Jane McKie

Until the end of the academic session 2020-21, Jane was Vice Principal – People at Ayrshire College, a role she had held since regionalisation in 2013. A dedicated public servant, Jane is a highly experienced and dedicated HR and OD professional, with an extensive working career, both in the NHS and the college sector. Jane held a variety of NHS roles, finishing that part of her career in NHS Ayrshire & Arran as Assistant O&HRD Director for Policy and Performance, before moving to the former Kilmarnock College in 2008 as Director of Organisational Development. This new career move enabled Jane to understand and be part of the transformational role that colleges can play in changing people’s lives and developing their careers.

Whilst taking on the role of board member is new to her, Jane’s executive leadership experience enables her to be very aware of the significance of first class corporate governance, particularly where key strategic decisions are required during times of change and development and financial constraints. Jane is a firm believer in the principles of staff governance and that a positive organisational culture, meaningful values and the investment in, and wellbeing of, staff underpin a successful and healthy organisation for the benefit of all stakeholders. She remains passionate about supporting the sector and continues to be inspired by what colleges and their staff do so well to enable students to achieve their ambitions and to maximise their potential, benefitting their communities and local employers.
Danny McMahon
Non-Executive Member

Danny McMahon

Danny is an experienced Engineering Leader having joined Rolls-Royce straight from School and completing an apprenticeship, Danny went on to graduate with an honours degree from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2011. Working as a Business Metrologist within Rolls-Royce Danny completed a Master of Science degree with the University of Strathclyde in 2015.

Having worked in the aerospace sector for 11 years Danny then moved roles to take leadership of the Metrology team at the Advanced Forming Research Centre, Part of the University of Strathclyde, where he grew the teams activities and helped to establish a Digital Team. Danny then led both teams growing their activities and capabilities around Digital technology and Measurement into what is now a key part of the Digital Factory within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

Danny is currently a Business Partner within the Digital and Technology Plan function of Diageo looking at global investment and strategy for manufacturing. This role involves engagement across all Diageo sites globally to identify key areas where investment should be made in technology solutions.

Having made lifelong learning a key part of his career Danny has particular interest in skills and culture development and the ever-increasing impact technology has in these areas.
George Rice
Teaching Staff Member

George Rice

George has been a member of the lecturing staff at West College Scotland since January 2016 and previously taught evening classes at City of Glasgow College. He formerly worked as a member of support staff in the college from 2010.

He was born and brought up in Alexandria and now lives in Dumbarton, having previously lived in Stirling while completing his undergraduate degree. He has a BA (Hons) and MSc from the University of Stirling and a MLitt from the University of Dundee.

George was formerly a shop steward for UNISON for a period of seven years, including during the merger of Clydebank, Reid Kerr and James Watt Colleges to form West College Scotland. He has taken part in negotiation and consultation with senior managers both locally and at national level.

He has a passion for the FE sector and is focused on ensuring that the college strives to serve the local community and, in particular, those from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to improve their life chances.
Dr Jillian Couto-Phoenix
Non-Executive Member

Dr Jillian Couto-Phoenix

Jillian is Head of Aquaculture at Lantra, an independent, accreditation body which exists to help the land-based, environmental and aquaculture industries meet their skills needs. She does this by working closely with the aquaculture industry to create meaningful partnerships with schools, colleges and universities to encourage new generations into aquaculture and to develop those who are already working in the sector.

Jillian has had a varied career to date. She started out as an academic scientist in the medical/life-sciences, and then, following a discipline hop, pivoted to develop a research and teaching portfolio in environmental engineering and biotechnology.

Wanting to enable newly discovered science and technology to make a more direct impact in society, Jillian moved from academia and has since taken up various appointments within the Scottish innovation ecosystem to enable this to happen.

Alongside her appointment at Lantra, Jillian runs an innovation and training consultancy which specialised in teaching university researchers about responsible innovation. She is also on the advisory board of Women in Scottish Aquaculture, a leading professional network for women in the aquaculture sector.
Jackie Russell
Non-Executive Member

Jackie Russell

Jackie Russell is an experienced Human Resources professional, with a background in Human Resources and management in the Higher Education and Health sectors.

Jackie was the Director of Human Resources at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A member of the senior management team, her remit covered the areas of Human Resources, Equality and Diversity, Health, Safety and Wellbeing and Child Protection.

Her board experience includes being a member of the Glasgow Regional Colleges Board for eight years eight. Jackie was chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee and also acted as Interim Senior Independent member.

She has been a Trustee of Sparqs, the student quality organisation and a co-opted member of the Remuneration Committee of Sistema Scotland, the music charity.

She is professionally qualified in mediation and has acted as a mentor for staff and students.

Jackie is a graduate of Glasgow University, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has a particular interest in education and equality, the arts and culture.

She also has an interest in sports and has helped to run martial arts classes for nearly 30 years.
Terry Dillon
Non-Executive Members

Terry Dillon

Terry has spent most of his career leading successful transformation and change programmes across both the public and private sector.

Since joining Skills Development Scotland in 2008, Terry has successfully led the delivery of a range of innovative programmes and projects, including the design and implementation of Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland.

Terry’s extensive international knowledge of, and advocacy for, work-based learning has been instrumental in driving transformative change of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. Working with the devolved governments, national agencies, industry and employers, Terry led the design and implementation of a best-in-class, employer led approach to apprenticeship development which has improved industry engagement in workforce development while supporting inclusion and diversity in fair and productive workplaces.

Passionate about skills development and its contribution to a prospering Scottish economy; Terry has joined the Board of West College Scotland with the desire to enhance the delivery of public services and support Scotland’s post-school skills and education system for better outcomes.

Terry holds an MA in Politics from Glasgow University and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde. He also sits on the Board of the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock.
Hilary Cameron
Non-Executive Members

Hilary Cameron

Hilary is a Chartered Civil Engineer and has had a varied career to date in both the private and public sectors, principally in the transport sector. Following graduation from Glasgow University, Hilary worked for the first 10 years of her career for global engineering consultancies as a geotechnical and highways engineer on a variety of major infrastructure projects, gaining experience in engineering design, project management, procurement, contract management and on construction sites.

Hilary moved into the public sector in 2006 as a project manager with Transport Scotland, the national transport agency for Scotland where she has held a number of roles, including Head of Procurement, Head of Rail Franchise Management and is currently Head of Rail Business Management. As well as her extensive experience of governance, procurement and project management, Hilary is committed to championing continuous learning and development, inclusivity, diversity and health and wellbeing.
Fiona McLaren
Support Staff Member

Fiona McLaren

Fiona has been a member of the Support staff at Clydebank College and latterly West College Scotland since October 2006.

She has a BA (Hons) from Strathclyde University and has post graduate qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Chartered Management Institute.

Fiona also sits on the College Development Network (CDN) Communications Steering Group for Choose College, working closely with members from other colleges to develop a sector strategy and raise the profile of the college sector nationally.

Fiona is passionate about using her experience and connections to help support positive changes at the College.
George Cooper
Non-Executive Member

George Cooper

George has worked in the secondary education sector since 1985, holding a variety of posts across eight schools. His leadership pathway has seen him go from class subject specialist to head teacher. He is committed to supporting all students and colleagues with a view to ensuring they achieve their goals. Throughout his career, George has sought to improve his skills through engaging with lifelong learning opportunities; equally he values tacit learning arising from working with talented students and colleagues.

George’s leadership of Bearsden Academy over 17 sessions has coincided with significant improvement in the levels of attainment and achievement of students.

The shared focus on delivering equity has ensured that individual pathways into, for example, further and higher education are treated with equal weight and commitment.

The school was the first SCQF Ambassador school in Scotland and is now a Gold Ambassador; it recently forged new links with West College Scotland, promoting innovative student and parent/carer leadership programmes. George holds a BA Honours degree from Strathclyde University, has achieved a post-graduate qualification in teacher leadership (Scottish Qualification for Headship from Stirling University) and is a SCEL Fellow (Scottish College of Educational Leadership - achieved in partnership with Glasgow University.)
John Scott
Non-Executive Member

John Scott

John is the Director of Facilities and Capital Projects at NHS Golden Jubilee and is responsible for Estates, Capital Planning, Health & Safety and Security. He is also lead on the Board's Hospital Expansion Programme which has seen the construction of a new Eye Centre and Surgical Centre on the site with a value of £115m. He started his career in architecture before a move to the NHS where, for over 25 years, he worked for various Health Boards and has significant experience of delivering major capital projects.

From 2010 to 2017, John was Head of Capital Planning & Programmes at NHS Ayrshire & Arran where he was responsible for delivering the Board's capital investment programme. This included leading on the Board’s Woodland View project, a £52m, 206 bed Acute Mental Health and Community Hospital. The hospital opened in May 2016 and has since received national and international awards.

John is also an independent assurance reviewer for Scottish Government, Programme and Project Management Centre of Expertise, which involves carrying out independent reviews of designated public sector projects across Scotland.

John has joined the Board with a desire to support those in education and as well as helping shape the future of West College Scotland.
David Donaldson
Trade Union Board Member

David Donaldson

My name is David “TechDave” Donaldson, I am an award-winning Cinematographer [Director of Photography - DoP] and camera operator in the TV & Film Industry.

I have Over 18 Years experience on: Features, Shorts, TV, Music, and corporate videos in which I have won multiple awards for productions that I have worked on.

My experience as a Camera Op is extensive and I also have vast experience of rigging for multi-cam events. I started in the college as a Technician and now I also teach the next generation of Film and TV students at our Greenock Studio Facilities. Teaching has allowed me to share skills, knowledge, and develop the minds of aspiring production crew. I am happy to be joining the board here at WCS and I hope I can not only share my skills and knowledge but develop and grow from those around me."
Karam Mohamed
Student President

Karam Mohamed

Karam Mohamed is Student President of Education and Representation at West College Scotland. He started at West College Scotland in 2022 and he is currently studying ESOL at National 4 level at the Greenock campus. He is an entrepreneur and has his own import/export company. Before Karam moved to Scotland, he lived in Egypt and worked as music producer. In his spare time, he likes to walk by the sea with his dog, Lord.
Joanne Kerr
Non-Executive Member

Joanne Kerr

Joanne Kerr has dedicated her career to transforming education through innovative curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive learning strategies. With a strong background in teaching, leadership, and development, she is committed to shaping education that puts learners at the centre.

Since beginning her career in youth work, playwork, and community learning and development, Joanne has successfully led a range of initiatives that enhance teaching and learning experiences and improve opportunities for marginalised people. Her expertise spans curriculum development, strategic planning, and quality assurance, ensuring that educational institutions meet the evolving needs of students and communities.

A passionate advocate for mental health and well-being in education, Joanne has played a key role in integrating holistic support structures that empower learners to thrive. Her work is underpinned by a belief in lifelong learning and the need for inclusive education that celebrates diversity and fosters equity.

Joanne holds a Master of Science in Mental Health and Education from the University of West of Scotland, a PGDip in Tertiary Education with TQFE (with distinction) from the University of Stirling, and a Joint Honours MA from the University of Glasgow. She has also completed specialised training in mentoring, coaching, and external verification of assessment processes.

Joanne is committed to driving excellence in education through collaboration, innovation, and positive change. Joining the board at West College Scotland, she aims to support the college to continue to innovate in the advancement of educational practices that equip learners with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
Samantha Mason
Student Association Board Member

Samantha Mason

Samantha Mason is a student at West College Scotland, she is a class representative and a member of the student rep council. She is currently studying HNC Software Development at Paisley Campus. Last year she studied NPA Games Development as part of the schools’ program.
Alisdair Barron
Non Executive Board Member

Alisdair Barron

Throughout his career in HR, Organisational Development, Change and General Management, Alisdair advocated for and championed wherever possible, the academic, professional, and technical training qualifications offered by the FE Sector in Scotland. Some twenty years ago he joined the Board of Central College, Glasgow with the vision of creating a world class learning and teaching environment for generations of Scotland’s students.

With his experience of Board membership and roles as Senior independent Member, Sub-Commminttee Convenor, Vice- Chair and Chair, working together with others, the first of the recent generation of college mergers was achieved in Glasgow, creating a learning and teaching environment second to none. He also recognises the need for strong, mutual beneficial, commercial strategic alliances and partnerships both within college sector in Scotland and tertiary sector internationally.

Alisdair was the driving force of a small UK based international paediatric hospice and medical support charity caring for infants and children with HIV Aids and the founding director of a number of charities in Romania operating across the Balkans caring for children with incurable, terminal neurological and life limiting hereditary conditions and supporting families living in the direst poverty or subject to educational and social disadvantage and discrimination

Until recently he was actively involved in the Children’s Panel system serving more than forty-five years until his retirement. Alisdair is committed to empowering WCS students and staff to maximise their potential and future life opportunities and is honoured to be part of WCS’s visionary and high-powered Board.

Governance

- WCS Board and Committee Members ROI summary - March 2025

Remits

Board Minutes and Agendas

Board

Date	Agenda	Papers	Approved Minute
24 March 2025	Agenda	Papers
9 December 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
7 October 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
24 June 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
29 April 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
26 February 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
17 January 2024	Strategy Session
11 December 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
9 October 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes

Committees

Audit & Risk Committee

Date	Agenda	Papers	Approved Minute
12 March 2025	Agenda	Papers
11 September 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
22 May 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
27 March 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
31 January 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
6 September 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes

Corporate Development Committee

Date	Agenda	Papers	Approved Minute
4 March 2025	Agenda	Papers
19 November 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
16 September 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
11 June 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
12 March 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
21 November 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
26 September 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes

Joint meeting of CDC and ARC

Date	Agenda	Papers	Approved Minute
21 November 2023	Restricted

Learning, Teaching & Quality Committee

Date	Agenda	Papers	Approved Minute
26 February 2025	Agenda	Papers
13 November 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
4 September 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
29 May 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
7 February 2024	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
29 November 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes
25 October 2023	Agenda	Papers	Minutes

Board of Management

Helping to change peoples lives

Board of Management

Dr Waiyin Hatton

Dr Waiyin Hatton

Liz Connolly

Liz Connolly

Gordon Hunt

Gordon Hunt

Ronald Leitch

Ronald Leitch

Jane McKie

Jane McKie

Danny McMahon

Danny McMahon

George Rice

George Rice

Dr Jillian Couto-Phoenix

Dr Jillian Couto-Phoenix

Jackie Russell

Jackie Russell

Terry Dillon

Terry Dillon

Hilary Cameron

Hilary Cameron

Fiona McLaren

Fiona McLaren

George Cooper

George Cooper

John Scott

John Scott

David Donaldson

David Donaldson

Karam Mohamed

Karam Mohamed

Joanne Kerr

Joanne Kerr

Samantha Mason

Samantha Mason

Alisdair Barron

Alisdair Barron

Governance

Remits

Board Minutes and Agendas

Board

Date

Agenda

Papers

Approved Minute

Committees

Audit & Risk Committee

Date

Agenda

Papers

Approved Minute

Corporate Development Committee

Date

Agenda

Papers

Approved Minute

Joint meeting of CDC and ARC

Date

Agenda

Papers

Approved Minute

Learning, Teaching & Quality Committee

Date

Agenda

Papers

Approved Minute