Derek Lewis appointed to lead transition of UHI colleges
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A new chairman has been appointed to lead and implement the merger of UHI North Highland with its partner colleges.
The north college is set to merge with UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland in August.
Derek Lewis, the current chairman of the board of management of UHI West Highland, will lead the transition board and will eventually become the new college's chairman.
He will work closely with Lydia Rohmer, principal designate of the newly named UHI North, West and Hebrides college, alongside the boards of UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland.
UHI says that Derek has extensive experience in roles as chairman, chief executive, director and trustee of organisations in fields such as education, training, television, prisons, healthcare, technology and social care. He currently runs his own farming, forestry and tourism business in Morvern, and is director of the new Nc’nean Distillery.
Alastair MacColl, chairman of the UHI court, said: “Derek brings a wealth of experience in education having served as pro-chancellor and treasurer of the University of Essex, a school governor, advisory board member of the London Business School and chair of companies providing apprenticeships, employment services and teaching staff.
"Coupled with his experience of working with government, local knowledge, and commitment to living in and contributing to Highland communities, he is an excellent candidate for this role, and I look forward to the exciting months and years ahead as UHI North, West and Hebrides emerges.”
Mr Lewis said: “The opportunities open to the communities served by the three colleges which will merge to form UHI North, West and Hebrides are enormous, in both traditional sectors and in emerging new sectors.
"The new college will have the scale and expertise to provide the training and education that will be needed by the workforce, is expected by employers and is essential in attracting people to work and study in the region. It will also be better placed to pursue the research that is vital to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the region, while contributing to and drawing strength from the anticipated developments in the UHI partnership.
“I am excited by the prospect of working with the transition board as it is formed and with Lydia Rohmer and her new leadership team to realise these ambitions. The merger brings together three outstanding colleges and their respective teams. It will be a privilege to help in building on their achievements in serving our students, our staff, employers and communities across the region.”
Last month the boards of management at the three colleges formally approved the merger proposal and business case, which has now been submitted to the Scottish Government for approval.
