University appoints Shetland College UHI Chairman, Drew Ratter, to its governing body

Drew Ratter, chair of the Shetland College UHI board, has been elected by the academic chairs of the further education colleges in the Highlands and Islands to serve as a member of the new University of the Highlands and Islands Court.

The University Court, or governing body, is responsible for the strategic direction of the university and must ensure the good governance of the institution and its financial health, as well as managing risk.

The University of the Highlands and Islands chief operating officer and secretary, Fiona Larg, said: “We require members of the University Court of the highest calibre with a balance of the skills and experience our university needs at this exciting time in its development. Drew Ratter was elected by the chairs of the further education colleges in our partnership. I am sure he will be an excellent appointment and demonstrate the commitment to and enthusiasm for the exciting journey on which we are embarked.”

Drew Ratter said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected by the colleges. It is so important that we all work together in our new circumstances. I will be starting a conversation with other college chairs, so I may understand and represent their and our interests.”

The reconstitution of the University Court follows a review of the governance and management of the university and recognises that the Scottish Government’s proposed legislation on post-16 education will designate the university as having regional responsibility for the provision of further education as well as higher education in its operating area.

The new structure will assist in developing the provision of post-school learning in the region, for both full- and part-time learners. It will provide more and clearer progression opportunities through all qualification levels, with access through the further and higher education colleges and specialist institutions that comprise the university partnership.

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
Communications officer
01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk