Personal statement

I am Head of Economics and Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute.

I re-joined Strathclyde in 2016 after 8 ½ years in the Scottish Government – where I was formerly a Senior Economic Adviser and head of the First Minister’s Policy Unit.

I lead on the external engagement work of the department and the knowledge exchange activities of the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI).

I am a member of the Scottish Business Taskforce, an ex-adviser to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee, Chair of the Economic Impact and Price Evaluation Advisory Group for Min Unit Pricing (Health Scotland) and a member of the Expert Payment Panel for Legal Aid in Scotland.

I also lead on the Economic Futures Initiative for Applied Economics in Scotland.

Being part of both the Economics Department and the FAI is a tremendous privilege.

Over the last 40 years, research at Strathclyde has made an outstanding contribution to our understanding of the economy and the impact of policy.

That continues today. Our strategy is founded upon a vision of academically excellent research that encompasses the University’s motto of ‘The Place for Useful Learning’. At the heart of this, is a commitment to take our research and apply it to the real-world.

This approach also shapes the way we engage with our students through our commitment not just to give them an excellent understanding of key economic issues, but to gain experience in how to actually apply that knowledge. This includes our work-placement and internship programmes for Strathclyde students at the FAI.  

It is also captured in the way we work with key partners, such as government, Deloitte, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and many other organisations across both Scotland and the UK.  

At the FAI, we also greatly value the unique role that we have in Scottish society. Our work – whether that is in our quarterly Economic Commentary, Scotland’s Budget report, blogs, or our commissioned research – aims to inform and encourage public debate through high quality independent analysis.

If you would like to discuss how we can work with your organisation or how can you study/learn with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.