The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) has announced that Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, is UCEA’s new Chair. Professor Boyne succeeds Professor Mark E. Smith who has held the position for the last seven years.
Commenting on his new position, Professor Boyne said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chair during this time of such significant challenge for UCEA, its 174 member HE institutions and all in our sector. There will undoubtedly be a need for further adjustments in how UCEA supports our members as uncertainty in the sector’s economic context persists. I aim to assist UCEA to navigate these challenges on behalf of its members, and to find ways to work constructively for the benefit of all university employees and with the HE trade unions on pressing pay and non-pay issues.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to relay its gratitude and admiration to Mark for his dedication as Chair, guiding us through tumultuous times, from Brexit to Covid, as well as the many and ongoing sector specific challenges and industrial disputes.”
Raj Jethwa, Chief Executive of UCEA added: “We are delighted that Professor George Boyne has been appointed as UCEA’s new Chair. George’s experience will be invaluable in leading the Board and guiding UCEA’s work on behalf of our members during this new period of change and challenge.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to UCEA’s outgoing Chair, Professor Mark E. Smith, who has chaired UCEA with such dedication and success for six years. Mark’s excellent leadership has helped guide the sector’s employers through some very difficult times and he has always demonstrated his commitment to the sector and its workforce. As Chief Executive, I am acutely aware of the time and thinking he has dedicated to this difficult role, always looking for ways to overcome unprecedented obstacles.”