AlumniSusanne Millar

Course studied: PgCert Advanced Social Work Studies (Management), 2001

Position at time of writing: Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow City Council

Tell us a bit about your background

I was born and raised in Glasgow, the eldest of five girls who all now work in the public sector, and I’m thankful for being brought up by parents who valued public service, and taught me that the opportunity to spend your life making Glasgow the best place it could be was a privilege. I was the first person in my family to go to university and I’m grateful that I had that opportunity at a time when my studies and student living were supported by grants and the state – my first degree gave me an experience of both intellectual stimulation and challenge while teaching me how to live independently.

Why did you choose Strathclyde?

I chose Strathclyde to do my PG in Social Work Management as it was and is a university where learning is very much rooted in the reality of working in the public sector. The course and teaching was challenging but relevant to the realities of the social work profession and the university also demonstrated, and still does, a real interest in ensuring the course supports people working in public services.

Where are you now?

Having worked in various settings in social work and then social work and health in Glasgow, I am now the Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council responsible for a workforce of around 28,000 people.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have so many! Firstly, when I was a Keyworker for a person in residential care and I tracked down her daughter so they could meet for the first time in forty years. Secondly, when twenty-two unaccompanied young women arrived in Glasgow from the refugee camp in Calais and we looked after them. Others include when the first Safer Drug Consumption room in Glasgow opened; when our care experienced young people successfully delivered their first annual celebration event; when I attended a women only recovery event with over 200 women on International Women’s Day and listened to them tell their stories and hopes for the future; when Martha’s Mammies won the COSLA Presidential Award; and when we ran the 2024 General Election in Glasgow without any drama!

This year Glasgow City marks its 850th anniversary. Which part of the celebrations so far have you most enjoyed?

I really enjoyed the celebrations for Elaine C. Smith getting freedom of the City, as she really does represent the best of Glasgow to me and I also really enjoyed the first multi faith event at Glasgow cathedral where we celebrated the City and its diversity and richness. Another special moment was when, alongside our Lord Provost, we celebrated those employees who have worked with us at Glasgow City Council for over 50 years – and were working with us when we celebrated our 800th anniversary in 1975 – they were really inspiring.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Working alongside the teams in the Council, our communities and our partners, we aim to ensure that investment in Glasgow continues and gathers pace - working to address inequality in our City and ensuring Glaswegians benefit from it.