Executive Group
Interim Convener: Sir Paul Grice
Sir Paul Grice took on the role of Convener on an interim basis from December 2024.
Paul was elected by his peers to serve as Vice Convener from August 2022.
The Vice Convener is elected every two years by fellow Principals. Together the two roles help to achieve broad representation across a diverse sector.
Since his appointment at Queen Margaret University, Sir Paul quickly established his commitment to the sector in Scotland by serving as the Convener of our Learning and Teaching Committee from 2020, where he worked closely on issues such as widening access, quality enhancement and skills. Paul is also a member of Universities Scotland’s Governance Group.
Sir Paul is passionate about the transformative impact that higher education can have on individuals as an engine for social justice. He sees opportunities across the sector, and wants to build a better understanding within government, its agencies and other stakeholders of the contribution universities make as a result of both their domestic and international work.
Key Facts
- Principal of: Queen Margaret University.
- Route into university: Paul grew up in York. He has a deep-felt personal commitment to widening participation in higher education having come to university through further education college.
- Academic specialism: Paul has had a number of roles in higher education governance across different institutions. These roles have included a member of the Economic and Social Research Council, board member of Policy Scotland and fellowships of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Centre for Science and Policy.
- Career profile: Paul held the position of Clerk and Chief Executive of the Scottish Parliament from its inception in 1999 until he joined QMU, leading the delivery of all services to the Parliament alongside acting as its principal adviser on procedural and constitutional matters.
Read more about Paul’s career here.
Director: Claire McPherson
Claire McPherson became Director of Universities Scotland in March 2024, joining from the Scottish Government.
Claire has worked in various roles in over a decade of service in the Scottish Government, including: Constitutional Policy and Engagement in the lead up to the 2014 Independence Referendum; Cross Government Strategy and Programme for Government delivery; Deputy Head of First Minister Policy and Delivery Unit; Public Sector Reform; Community Empowerment; Third Sector strategic lead; Population and Migration Strategy.
Prior to the Scottish Government, Claire served as the Deputy Director of Policy at the Scottish Funding Council. She also has ten years in a variety of roles at the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.
