General Council

Since shortly before graduating from the University of Glasgow for the second time with a PhD in English Language and French in 2001, I have been in higher education in France, where I first became a lecteur (language assistant) in English at the University of Toulon during my writing-up year in 1999-2000. Although a relatively lowly post, thanks to the small size of the university I soon gained a good deal of managerial skills in the single-handed development and deployment of the university’s programme in English phonetics and phonology, of which I was the sole person responsible.

This two-year stint was followed by a post of ATER (attaché temporaire d’enseignement et de recherche, i.e., temporary teaching and research assistant) in the English department of the University of Toulouse II from 2001 to 2005. There too I soon rose to become co-director of the department’s programme in English phonetics and phonology, honing my skills in long-term planning and the distribution of resources by working in concert with numerous colleagues in other fields.

In 2005, I became a maître de conférences (lecturer) in literature and culture of the English-speaking world at what is now the Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion in Albi, France. I was titularisé (tenured) in 2006, becoming the director of the Department of Arts, Languages and Letters, with its four sections: English, Spanish, Lettres Modernes (i.e., French language and literature), and Langues Étrangères Appliquées (applied foreign languages, notably for business purposes). In this capacity I sharpened my administrative skills, working on several committees, including the Bureau de Direction (Interdepartmental Administrative Council), which dealt largely with budgeting and planning, as well as the Conseil Scientifique et Pédagogique, the university’s planning committee for the implementation, evaluation and improvement of academic curricula.

I stepped down as the Director of the department in 2011 but served as Head of the department’s English section from 2013 to 2014, a post I have been exercising again since 2020, where I have overseen a fourfold enlargement of the English section’s faculty. I have served continuously as the coordinator of ERASMUS and international exchanges to English-speaking universities since 2006, and am deeply implicated in the overall wellbeing of faculty, staff and students, especially students in difficulty, including refugees and those with physical handicaps, mental hardships and emotional difficulties.

As a double graduate of the University of Glasgow — where I served as an elected member of the committee of management of the GU Postgraduate Research Club (1996-97), and a representative of postgraduate students to the Senate (1997-98) — I am very much interested in the possibility of continuing my service to the University of Glasgow as a General Council Assessor to the University of Glasgow Court, particularly in my capacity as a graduate who has maintained remarkably close ties with a number of GU faculty members, as well as fellow alumni/ae in Scotland, across the UK and Ireland, throughout Europe and around the world.

As a maître de conférences (i.e. tenured senior lecturer) at the Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion in Albi, France — where I formerly served as the head of the Department of Arts, Languages and Letters, and am currently the head of the English section within that department — I have gained years of experience in humanely balancing the needs of students and staff with the efficient management and distribution of financial resources.

I, therefore, believe that I am uniquely placed to understand the requirements of a court assessor in objectively monitoring the overall performance of the University in a responsible manner that both protects the University's assets and financial stability while ensuring the wellbeing of all members of the University community.

Furthermore, in this uncertain time of post-Brexit readjustment, I also hope my insider understanding of the most recent EU decisions affecting French universities and our trans-Channel relations could be useful for bridging unexpected gaps of understanding in the future, and linking hands in the tradition of the Auld Alliance.

If elected, I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure the quality not only of teaching and research but also the quality of life of all members of our community in order to maintain and enhance the excellent reputation of the University of Glasgow.

I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2017 with the Goudie Prize in Music, having been a member of Glasgow University Chapel Choir and University Lacrosse Club. I embarked on the Teach First Leadership Development programme and have since worked in the state secondary education sector. My first position was in a challenging school where leadership was not effective, staff were not well supported and students’ progress and wellbeing suffered as a result. In this role I succeeded in transforming my failing department, developing resilience, resourcefulness and leveraging positive relationships with stakeholders within and outside the school. As I wrestled with the difficulties of working towards unrealistic and unsupported goals that went unchecked by the school governors, I began to develop my own philosophy of leadership. I am grateful for my experience working under poor governance and leadership I am now deeply committed to inclusivity, safety and fair treatment of all staff and students.  

I have been in post as Head of Music for three years in an exceedingly positive, well-led, newly established school, where I have developed experience in strategy and resource management building a thriving Music department from scratch. In a growing school, middle leaders play a profound role in the decision making and development of the school, alongside governors and senior leaders. In a school that values Music hugely, I have been at the forefront of leading positive whole-school change and building a creative culture.  

I am committed to contributing to outstanding educational provision and am increasingly interested in leadership and governance. Alongside teaching full time, I am due to be awarded an MBA from Coventry University in August. This course has equipped me with a stronger understanding of management, systems and decision-making in education and beyond.  

I understand the gravity of decision-making in the education sector and would approach this role with integrity. As a teacher, I have felt the impact of various government policies and reforms on students and their future pathways. At the core of my values is a belief in fair access to the Arts as well as fair opportunities for students to access, and excel within, further education in all academic areas.  

I work across a school's trust and have acted as a champion for coordinating collaboration. As a committed team worker, I am empathetic, respectful and willing to challenge authority when necessary. When change is necessary, I am able to set challenging and achievable steps that lead to meaningful improvements. I have been lucky enough to act as a mentor to many members of staff: I approach my peers with honesty, enthusiasm and good humour. I have also mediated in some challenging situations: I am cool-headed, reasonable and able to see things from a range of angles.  

As a curriculum leader, postgraduate student and recently appointed external exam board examiner, I am committed to high-quality curriculum, assessment and research. I have a good understanding of barriers to education and how learning can be made more inclusive. I am well versed in contemporary educational issues and in touch with the challenges young people face today. I understand that at the core of every successful institution are hardworking staff who need support and motivation. Likewise, there are students from a range of backgrounds, with a variety of needs who are facing unknown challenges that threaten their success in education.

Like many UofG graduates, I no longer live in the city in which I studied but care deeply about the future of this institution, its staff and its students. It would be an honour to represent my fellow members of the General Council and thank you for your consideration. 

For me, like so many others, Glasgow University opened up possibilities that were otherwise unavailable.  As an organisation and as a community, the University was very influential, not just in my professional life, but in forming my views and values and in shaping the person I became. I was the first in my family to attend higher education and I am passionate about giving those with talent the opportunity to do the same. I found that the welcome and support I received, and the sense of ambition which was nurtured in me offered real opportunities. After a successful career working mainly as a Senior Civil Servant with Cabinet Ministers in successive administrations in Whitehall, now is the time to give back what is due. 

For most of my career, I have worked in central and in local government, tackling a wide range of issues, including: 

• Key aspects of running large organisations - government departments, public bodies, a local authority - including strategy formulation, business planning and performance management. 
• Leading negotiations across Whitehall departments, with external stakeholders at home, and at a multi-national level in Brussels and the OECD. 
• Holding responsibility for allocating multi-billion pound budgets between local authorities - a highly technical and politically challenging task. 
• Formulating and delivering communication strategies and helping guard the reputation of the organisation. 
• Leading and developing large teams, with all the challenges and rewards that brings. 

I have worked with senior colleagues across the public sector, in industry and in the voluntary and community sector.  I have specialised in different policy and delivery areas, at different times, for example in local government finance, integration and community cohesion, housing, community empowerment and environmental issues. Currently, I am an Associate with a number of local government consultancies, and I am advising the Department for Health and Social Care on adult social care reform. Throughout a rich and rewarding career so far, I have kept in close contact with the University and I am now keen to make more of a contribution. 

I hope to bring experience, insight and enthusiasm to the role of Assessor, drawing on my career to date: 

• I have worked with Boards and committees in a number of organisations in central and local government, holding responsibility for drawing up and communicating organisational strategies, in a political environment. 
• I have designed and implemented systems of governance, business planning and change management plans for whole organisations. I have held responsibility for drawing up and operating organisational systems for performance management and risk management 
• I have held responsibility for allocating multi-billion £ budgets and have been accountable for public spending, operations and commercial contracts for many millions of £s. 
• I have designed and implemented significant legislation and economic regulation, and handled major legal challenges, at national and international levels. 
• I have worked productively with a huge variety of senior stakeholders across the public sector, industry, the voluntary and community sector and the media, on challenging and controversial subjects, such as protecting the environment, community measures to counter terrorism and local taxation. 
• I have led and developed teams of up to 100 people, responsible for their performance and well-being.  And taken part in leadership mentoring for young people from under-represented backgrounds. 

Above all, I prize skills of consensus-building and collaboration, across organisational boundaries and within groups, in support of shared objectives. 

These are skills and experiences that I believe can benefit the University and help promote and secure its international reputation for excellence.  I would very much welcome the opportunity to put this into practice. 

Seith Ireland served as President of the Students’ Representative Council whilst studying at the University, serving a year on the University Court. Subsequently as a solicitor, with his own law firm, he served as President of the Glasgow Bar Association, then as a Council Member of the Law Society of Scotland when he convened the Society's work and submissions to the Government upon the Bill that became the Scotland Act. He was appointed as a Sheriff (judge) in 2003. During that time, he was Secretary and Treasurer of the Sheriffs' Association. He serves as an honorary Mentor to students studying for the Diploma in Legal Practice in the Law Faculty. Previously he served as a tutor in skills training to the then Joint Diploma of Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities. Seith serves on the board of two charities, SASO, and Phoenix Futures Scotland. The former is dedicated to the study and reform of criminal and penal justice, the latter to the recovery of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. He presently serves on the Business Committee of the General Council and is a member of the 1451 Society. 

From my time as a student at this University and as President of the SRC I have sought to be of service to others. In my career as a solicitor and then as a Sheriff I have had the privilege of continuing to serve through my leadership of professional organisations and also by working with other disciplines, politicians and governments to innovate, plan and reform legal, administrative and constitutional arrangements. I have developed through my legal and judicial career, skills in assimilating complex factual, financial and policy issues and using critical reasoning to reach balanced and informed decisions. I would bring this experience and those skills to the work of the University Court. In serving for over 10 years on the board of two charities I have enhanced my experience of working collaboratively with other disparate individuals and groups by contributing to the strategy, and good administrative and financial governance of these bodies to achieve their goals. 

My current service on the Business Committee of the General Council has afforded me insights into and the ability to contribute to the development of my Alma Mater. In seeking election to the Court, I wish to honour my lifelong affection for and continue my service to, the University by bringing my skills, commitment and enthusiasm to bear. I would intend to ensure, working with others, that the University of Glasgow continues to be a life-changing experience for future generations and that it enhances its position as a world-leading educational and research institution. 

After 4 happy years at Glasgow, graduating with a First in Physiology, I followed my scientific passion: how does the brain work? This led me to earn a PhD in the USA, and to join a fantastic team studying nerve and muscle cells at University College London. I experienced both the fulfilment and the many challenges of University research and teaching. I enjoyed teaching science and medical students, and learned patience and tolerance. But in late 20s, I realised this was not the lifelong path for me. My work was good, but not world-changing. My academic career was not bringing out my best.

Studying for an MBA in France was a radical change of career and a hugely positive life experience. It left me with energy and empathy for those who start education later than the norm, or who decide to make changes to their life as mature adults. The remainder of my working life was spent managing increasingly large teams in large companies – in London, Dublin, the USA, Paris, Warsaw and Munich.

I learned to give space and support to people, and to encourage them to thrive. Helping others achieve their potential, wherever that lies, is the most wonderful experience. For me, true success is seeing an organisation continue to do well long after one’s time leading it. My best achievement is the number of women and men I have helped develop who now occupy very senior roles, and who themselves are highly successful via a supportive and enlightened style of management.

I began my life working in academic research and teaching, spent 25 years in company management, and have been a member of the General Council Business Committee for five years.  So I have a good knowledge of both the substance and style of challenges the University Court has to manage. I have already made the transition from being an executive manager to a non-executive and know how to be effective without having explicit power. As Chairman of the operating company of the famous paddle steamer Waverley (my second passion), I led and developed a change of leadership, and the raising of over £2 million to return the ship to service in 2020.

Technically, I am very experienced at strategic planning, financial planning, and developing people and organisations. I have a skill in helping teams to have real, direct conversations about the things that matter. I am a clear communicator, good at seeing the wood, not just the trees.

As one of the General Council assessors to the University Court, my key areas of focus and interest would be academic excellence; financial security and probity; continued wider access to the University; the role of the University in society. Glasgow University has a distinctive style and reputation. I believe it can be exceptionally warm and welcoming, just like the City of Glasgow. To further the aspiration of World Changing, I would do all I could to even further develop a University style which keeps balancing challenge with support.

For 28 years after graduating, I performed increasingly senior roles in corporate banking in London and New York, for several international banks, latterly creating new and significant business for The Royal Bank of Scotland in the international mission-critical helicopter sector. In 2011 I was invited by the largest helicopter operator to build its asset financing group in Dublin, and after five years I moved to head the global sales group of a very large speciality helicopter leasing company in London and Connecticut. Since 2018 I have built my own business advising new investors, financiers, and operating companies on helicopter projects. 

Alongside my professional career, since founding the World Student Debating Competition at Glasgow in 1981, I have maintained an interest in coaching and mentoring young people in debate and oracy. Additionally, I speak and write on Robert Burns, being noted for original research into the history of the Burns Supper and the poet's financial condition. My sixth book is scheduled for publication in the Autumn. I serve on the Events Committee of the Caledonian Club in London and the Council of the Burns Club of London. 

If elected, I would bring the following skills to the Court and its Committees: 

• Complex Financial Decision-making at Board Level: Through my professional experience, the ability to assess risk and reward in major projects within capital-intensive regulated industries. 
• Challenge and Debate: Since winning 'The Observer Mace' for Glasgow, I have used the analytical and presentational constructs of debate to understand, constructively challenge and assess multi-faceted challenges and to then create a comprehensible, collegiate answer to them. 
• Appreciation of UofG's Ethos: Having been an undergraduate, a part-time postgraduate, and currently an Honorary Researcher at the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, while supporting the Development and Alumni Office initially in helping set up its first overseas office in New York and since then through a programme of Burns Suppers (with prospective students, alumni/ae and major donors) over the last twenty years in London and across North America, I have a shared experience and understanding across many of our University's stakeholder groups, and a demonstrated commitment to support 'world-changing Glasgow' to give back for the benefits I received, as a first-generation university student, which allowed me to develop a career and a life I could not have otherwise imagined. 

Current (since March 2018): UK Chief Veterinary Officer (Defra, UK Government) 

• Responsible for professional and technical advice to UK Ministers on all aspects of animal health and welfare, and international trade in animals and their products. 
• Lead international representative of UK animal health and welfare, and food safety. Delegate to the OIE (World Animal Health organisation).
• Head of Profession in UK Government for all veterinary professionals. Responsible for development, standards and succession planning. 
• Lead Government media spokesperson for animal health and welfare.
• Member of Defra Food, Farming and Biosecurity Directors Committee.
• Non-voting member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Council.
• CVO, and Chair in 2021, member of the G7 Chief Veterinary Officers group.
• Member of the QUADS (US, Canada, NZ and Australia) Chief Veterinary Officers group.

Previous (2016-2018): Chief Veterinary Officer, New South Wales, Australia 

• Senior leadership experience.
• Experienced in strategy development and strategic decision making, at England, UK and international level.
• Extensive knowledge of continuing professional development including 'soft skills' to enable day 1 competency, career growth and personal well-being. 
• Experienced in risk management and rapid decision making and direction.
• Effective use and commissioning of science to support disease management, rapid impactful decision making, and international reputation standing. Including senior customer for investment in a £1.8bn science complex. 
• Leadership of communication and media engagement for my speciality.
• Comprehensive understanding of the UK Government and Devolved administrations including legal function, governance and operational detail. 
• Experienced in international relationships, strategic support and technical negotiation. 

Board Experience: I served for 5 years (2016 to 2021) as Chair of England Athletics, “England Athletics aims to grow opportunities for everyone to experience athletics and running, to enable them to reach their full potential”. I have also served on two Higher Education Councils as an executive and currently as a Governor on the Board of Cardiff Metropolitan University.  

Higher Education Experience: During my Wellcome Doctoral work at the Vet School, Garscube, I was given the opportunity to lecture for 2 years covering an academic on sabbatical. This allowed me to progress to a full-time lectureship and research lead at Queens College (now Glasgow Caledonian University), a Chair and Head of Department at the University of Strathclyde, a Dean position and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Loughborough University and finally Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College Life and Environmental Science at the University of Birmingham.

Fundraising: In addition to winning traditional research funding - the most significant being a Principal Investigator on a Medical Research Council Biomedical Research Unit (£5M) - I have led bids to win funds for new initiatives such as The Scottish Institute of Sports Medicine and Sports Science (Lottery Funding), The National Centre of Sport and Exercise Medicine (£17.4M) from the Department of Health and the Higher Education Funding Council Catalyst Fund and the Enterprise Board, Singapore to fund studentships (£3.5M).  

People Management: As Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, I acted as academic leader to the College’s community of approximately 700 staff and was responsible and accountable for financial (approximately £70M), human and capital resources, which included managing a major capability project. On reflection, all my positions at different stages of my academic career have been focused on people development. This has included leading a Board at England Athletics (where there was a mixture of independent and representative members,) working with a major donor to the University (£15M) and leading multidisciplinary teams and international projects.

Strategic Development and Assurance: In addition to the funding projects noted above, I led the development of the research strategic plan and implementation plan for Loughborough University, the strategic plan (teaching, learning research and enterprise) for my College at the University of Birmingham, and contributed, as part of the University’s executive to the University plan. As a Board member of both England Athletics and Cardiff Metropolitan University, I have overseen the development of 10-year strategic plans followed by an assurance of progress against these plans. 

Whether successful in becoming a member of the court or not, I will always have loyalty and a strong passion for the University of Glasgow. During my studies, in addition to supporting my academic progress, the University supported me as an individual to compete at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. I will always seek to safeguard the good name and values of the University and recognise the important role a university can play in the lives of its students and staff.  

Having a current understanding of the challenges in teaching and research, and the external Higher Education political environment, will allow me to both support and challenge the executive. Although my own discipline is in the life sciences, having led research at Loughborough across all the disciplines, and have led a college of multiple disciplines at Birmingham, I recognise that a university such as Glasgow has diverse needs, and any response must be nuanced. The University’s success is reliant on the strength of the people it employs; thus, the human resource strategy is fundamental.  

Because of my experience on boards, I also bring a clear understanding of the role and authority of the court as distinct from that of the executive. This, together with a strong base in governance and finance, will allow me to contribute to the role of the Court in monitoring progress against agreed outcomes. 

As part of my senior roles both at universities and in other bodies - e.g. The Defence National Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall (formerly Headley Court), both The Scottish and the National Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine Centres - I have been fortunate in being able to frame organisations to meet the needs of the future. This was particularly true, during the pandemic when I worked with the CEO at England Athletics to ensure financial sustainability. I believe the timing of this General Council Court appointment, shortly after the outcome of the research assessment exercise, and towards the end of the University’s current strategy would enable me to contribute to the Board discussions on the next strategy for the University – a challenge I would relish. 

I have been a practising barrister for the last 13 years. During this period, I worked as Principal State Counsel, advising the Gambia Government and African Union on multijurisdictional regulatory compliance in maritime and environmental law and policy. I also worked as a trial advocate for multinational corporations on fishing, shipping and general maritime disputes. 

Currently, I am head of Chambers at Sanneh & Co. In this role, I am retained counsel for Mediterranean Shipping Company and Asset Management & Recovery Corporation, the biggest public asset controlling entity in The Gambia. 

Beyond work, general life experience has taught me the importance of planning early. Prior planning has provided me with the ability to steer and control hurdles that life throws at me. Having control over a task ensures a greater degree of clarity upon which the said task could be completed, with success, I may add. This is because planning allows weaknesses to be both identified and mitigated. Consequently, the opportunity to realise the objective(s) of that task is inherently maximised when weaknesses are deducted. After all, survival is about making choices – a ‘task’ that involves opting in or out of possibilities to ensure continuity of life. 

The experience and skills I acquired so far would be useful in the General Council. To face challenges in any organisation is inevitable. The Council is no exception. Whether it is the University’s admission of its historic links to the Slave Trade or the work of Glasgow University Environmental Sustainability Team (GUEST), these issues must be tactfully handled. 

If I am privileged to be appointed Court Assessor, I will be in a position to listen to opposing views attentively, rigorously probe challenges, advise constructively and decide on appropriate measures dispassionately. Listening to various concerns, opposing at times, invites better reasoning and judgment. 

As a trial advocate, I know this all too well. I habitually probe into pertinent issues with a view to forming a broader view to conclude with reason. To that end, my ability to ask penetrating questions, whilst maintaining a constructive non-adversarial approach, I believe, would be an asset to the Council. 

External Relations Officer (Executive Board member) - European Federation of Geologists (EFG)
Responsible for overseeing the calls for project proposals by the European Commission that are relevant to the EFG and in the implementation of them if they are funded. Coordinating the activities of the EFG office in communication, education, dissemination, and outreach issues, and broadening the circle of EFG member associations. Acting in the capacity of line manager for the Executive Director of the EFG, including an annual appraisal interview, being available to the Executive Director to hear any concerns or suggestions regarding employment. Organizing the activities related to the European Geologist Journal (EGJ) and chairing the Editorial Board. 

Coordinator of the Panel of Experts on Natural Hazards and Climate Change - EFG 
Contributing to the development of European policies that are of interest for geologists. Present Advisory Documents to European Commission and EU Parliament; organize workshops on geological topics; participate in public hearings, conferences, and meetings. Actively participating in the European Commission's Working Flood Group as Focal point for the EFG. 

Project Management & Business Development – CERTH 
Current duties are on project inception, planning, execution, and monitoring skills for RFCS, Horizon2020, Green Deal and the Horizon Europe programmes. In addition, I am collaborating with a large network of professional contacts to materialise small focus teams to create consortiums to meet the requirements of successful proposals submission and project implementation.  

 Furthermore:  

• Life Member of the African Geological Society 2019 - present 
• Member of the RemTech Europe Scientific Committee 2019 - present 
• Member on expert panel on Soil protection at European Federation of Geologists 2011 - present 
• Member of Technical Committee at ISSMGE Stability of Natural Slopes 2010 – 2014 
• Member of Technical Committee at ISSMGE Risk Assessment & Management 2010 - 2020 
• Member of Greek Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 2009 - present 
• Member of International Society for Rock Mechanics 2009 - present 
• Member of International Society for Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Engin. 2009 - present 
• Member of the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece 2002 - present 
• Member of the professional committee of the Geological Society of London 2005 - 2007 
• Fellow of the Geological Society of London 2002 - present 

Over the last two decades, I have acquired extensive international collaboration experience. I have been serving in the European Federation of Geologists as the coordinator of Natural Hazards and Climate Change since 2015, whereas in 2019, I was elected to the EFG's board to perform the duties of the External Relations Officer. My consultancy experience and my involvement with reputable non-governmental organisations such as the London Geological Society, European Federation of Geologists, REMTECH Europe has allowed me to build a large and international professional network. Whenever possible I will try to use this to increase the University of Glasgow's visibility but also provide feedback on the global technical and societal demands. This will allow me to provide support both on the strategic direction of the University and progress beyond the current state-of-the-art.  

Throughout my time at the University of Glasgow, I was a member of the Glasgow University Muslim Students Association (GUMSA) committee, and I was the Vice President for 2 years. I was active on campus, working with other University Student Societies to ensure Muslim voices were represented on campus and Muslim students felt included in the University in all aspects. I also organised numerous social, charity and educational events for members of GUMSA and other Societies as part of my role. 

After leaving University in 2011, I was elected as one of the trustees for iSyllabus Scholarships, a charity providing scholarships to students struggling to pay for courses run by iSyllabus. I helped found the charity: I was involved in registering the charity with OSCR, setting up the accounts, drafting the constitution, drafting the application and the terms and conditions for the successful applicants. The trustees also decide which applicants are granted funding and what type of funding they would be given.

I would go above and beyond, I don't want this position to be a 'tick box' for myself or the university, I would work hard to ensure the needs and voices of students are met. I would be active on campus to stay connected to students and staff. In all the positions I have held, I have gone over and beyond, to not only focus on the 'business side' but making sure to remember the heart behind those decisions, the people those decisions impact.

I am committed, I have been involved in several Boards, including the inception of 2 which involved a huge volume of work.

I am passionate about women's rights, in particular women of colour and ensuring accessibility and equality for all.

In 2013, I joined the Interfaith Glasgow Advisory Group which later became Interfaith Glasgow in 2016. I joined the Board of Directors in 2016 and I was the Vice Chair for 4 years. I was involved in drafting the constitution, policies, and fundraising. I attend regular meetings discussing and deciding the business of Interfaith Glasgow and I have been a committed member of the Board since 2016.  

As my 'day job', I currently Manage the ending Violence Against Women Programme at Amina-the Muslim Women's Resource Center (MWRC). My role involves managing a team to ensure funded outcomes are met, drafting funding applications and reports. The project focus on prevention, I have been involved in creating many campaigns, organising awareness raising events, delivering workshops to BME women on healthy relationships and their legal rights, delivering training to agencies on how their service can be accessible to BME women and working with other organisations in the Women's Sector to provide programmes for young people. I am Helpline trained and in my previous role, I managed the Amina Helpline, supporting Muslim and BME women with complex issues ranging from domestic abuse, immigration, extended family abuse, honour-based abuse and sexual violence.

In 2017, I graduated with the Goudie Prize in Music, having been a member of Glasgow University Chapel Choir and University Lacrosse Club. I embarked on the Teach First Leadership Development programme and have since worked in the state secondary education sector. I have been in post as Head of Music for three years, where I have developed experience in strategy and led positive change. I am committed to inclusivity, safety and fair treatment of all staff. 

I understand the gravity of decision-making in an educational institution. I have witnessed the power of effective management and governance that takes considers all stakeholders. As a teacher, I have felt the impact of various government policies and reforms on staff, students and student pathways. I believe in fair access to the Arts as well as fair opportunities for students to access, and excel within, further education in all academic areas.  

Alongside teaching full time, I am due to be awarded an MBA from Coventry University in August. This course has equipped me with a stronger understanding of leadership and systems in education and beyond. I am keen to extend my experience to governance and to contribute to the sustained excellence of a further education institution. 

Like many UofG graduates, I no longer live in Glasgow but care deeply about the future of the university, its staff and students. It would be an honour to represent my fellow members of the General Council and thank you for your consideration. 

I have been Managing Partner of Filedfisher China which has three offices in China (Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) for six years. Before, I was a Partner and Bird & Bird (headquarters in London). As Managing Partner, I am responsible to lead the Chinese offices, including HR, finance and marketing plans. 

My grandfather and my parents are business persons and have owned several companies. Thus I am very good at business analysis, although I am qualified as a lawyer. 

Firstly, as a Chinese national I will bring diversity to the Business Committee. I don’t believe anyone from China has held this role in the past and I would like to help represent the growing Chinese alumni community for the University. 

Secondly, I have consistently supported the University in a variety of ways since graduating. I work with the law school to provide work placements for current students and I have supported a number of staff visits and alumni activities in China. 

Thirdly, as a former student, I really care about the developments of the University and I am willing to do whatever I can to support its efforts. 

It would be an honour to be elected onto the General Council Business Committee to continue serving our great institution.