Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland, Liz Connolly, commented, “I am personally delighted with this news.
Waiyin’s knowledge and experience will play a vital role in aiding the continued success of the College.
'I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Waiyin and look forward to working together.
‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Keith McKellar, our former Chair, who lead the Board from March 2014 till February 2020. His leadership and commitment to the College was outstanding and noticed by many stakeholders, staff and students."
Commenting on her new appointment, Dr Waiyin Hatton, said, “My appointment to the role of Chair of West College Scotland follows a career dedicated to the public service and supporting life-long learning and formal education in people’s everyday lives. I very much see that continuing with WCS.
I wish Keith McKellar well as he hands me the baton and I look forward to working with the Principal, Liz Connolly and WCS colleagues, who I know are committed to providing modern and first rate further and higher education to all.
'It’s vital too that we maintain effective and constructive relationships with all our key stakeholders to ensure we all work together in the best interest of widening access to further and higher education, enabling successful learners and generating a skilled and productive workforce for our economy. With this in mind, I look forward to working in partnership with employers and other stakeholders to focus on providing opportunities which meet demand in key industry sectors in the WCS region and beyond.
I am committed to ensuring WCS and its students develop the right skills and positive attitudes to support local, regional and national workforce needs as well as playing a key role in helping to support regional economic development.”
The Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead MSP, who announced the appointment earlier this week said, “I am pleased to appoint Dr Waiyin Hatton as Chair of West College Scotland. Dr Hatton brings with her a wealth of experience which I am sure will provide invaluable in her new role.
‘Colleges are key to our ambitions in widening access to further and higher education, enabling successful learners and generating a skilled and productive workforce for our economy. Waiyin will play her part in promoting this agenda locally and nationally across the wider college network.”
Dr Hatton who replaces Keith McKellar will take on the role with immediate effect.
Bio
Dr Waiyin Hatton is a firm believer in life-long learning and a beneficiary of formal education and continued professional development throughout her career.
Passionate about unleashing talents, Waiyin set up her own consultancy, Wai Beyond, in 2012 to inspire and nurture greatness in people, teams and organisations, delivering leadership development; coaching and Board development; acting as ‘Business Mentor’; and being a role model to women in leadership.
Prior to this, she has had extensive leadership across the public and not-for-profit sectors in health care in England, Scotland and Wales. Her last post was that of Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, describing her role as ‘creating an environment to succeed’.
A former karate international medallist, she co-founded Ayrshire Sportsability; and puts back in the community as she currently Chair of Action Against Stalking and Director of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce.
Waiyin was awarded Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in 2015 for her contribution to the community; and has been recognised by the Association of Scottish Business Women, winning the Best Business Charity Award in 2015 and awarded Woman of Inspiration in 2014.