Mr John Edward, MA 1993 (Scottish History)

Proposer: Mrs Natalie Duff (née de Vink), MA 1992     
Seconder: Mr Philip Anderson (né Baksh) 

Summary of career history

  • Director, Scottish Council of independent schools  (SCIS) (03.2010 to date) 
  • Head of Office, European Parliament office in Scotland (05.2003 to 11.2009)
  • Parliamentary Manager, Scottish Enterprise (01.2002 to 05.2003)
  • EU Policy Manager and deputy head of office, Scotland Europa, Brussels (11.1996 to 12.2001)
  • European Policy Centre, Brussels (03.1995 to 11.1.996)
  • Member, Comminssion on Paliamentary Reform, Scotland. (01-06 2017)

Expertise that is especially relevant to the position of General Council Assessor on the University Court

  • Substantial experience of EU matters including Erasmus, Research policy, mutual recognition, etc
  • Membership of SQA Advisory Council (2011-17), Scottish Teachers' Pension Scheme and Curriculum for Excellence Management Board (both ongoing)
  • Trustee of the Scottish European Education Trust
  • Extensive experience in communication, media and public speaking including as Chief Campaign Spokesman, SCOTLAND STRONGER IN EUROPE, 01-06 2016 - principal spokesman for all written and broadcast media; lead for major speaking engagements, debates and engagement - as part of the explicitly non-party political and positive campaign in Scotland

Connections with the University/alumni since graduating

  • Regular presentations for Careers Service to undergraduates and postgraduates, including History students
  • Several Debating Society appearances, on various subjects
  • Presentations to at least 2 departments on EU matters
  • Brought European Parliament research delegation to University
  • Still in close contact with a range of alumni, including staff of "The Chronicle" (Editor, 1991-92)

Reason(s) for wishing to become a General Council Assessor

  • Desire to further serve the University and contribute to its future success
  • To provide full representation of General Council members' views
  • To contribute 8 years of experience from the Scottish and UK education systems - including a substantial widening access scheme and close work with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator