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The Governing Council works with the School's management team to develop the high quality all-round education associated with George Watson's College. The Governing Council is assisted by three committees. The Education Committee considers the School's educational standards, results and future strategy and provides the School's Governing Council and management team with good quality debate on each of these issues. The Property Committee considers the demands on the School's 50 acre campus, including repairs and maintenance and the improvement of facilities to meet the requirements of parents, pupils, staff and regulatory agencies. The Finance Committee oversees the School's annual budget, financial planning and strategy to ensure that there are funds available to meet the needs of the School. The Governors are actively involved in the life of the School, attending performances, shadowing staff and pupils, and taking part in some of the many extra-curricular and outdoor activities that take place throughout the school year.
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Mr Norman Murray, Chairman of Governors
Norman Murray has been Chairman of Governors since 2004 and is also a Trustee of the George Watson's Family Foundation. Norman was co-opted to the Council by the Merchant Company Education Board in the early 1990s but his involvement with Watson's dates back to his own time as a pupil, and then as a parent of two sons at the School. During his time as Chairman, Norman is eager to ensure the School continues to provide the nation with well rounded young citizens who will make a difference to society. In his professional capacity, Norman is Chairman of a FTSE100 company, Cairn Energy PLC, as well as being a past President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.
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Mr Stewart Clark
Stewart Clark - a former pupil and parent of two former pupils - was co-opted by the Merchant Company Education Board and is now Chairman of the Finance Committee. He is also a Trustee of the George Watson's Family Foundation. Stewart is a chartered accountant and seeks to support and monitor the finances and financial administration of the School. |
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Mr Ian Murning
A former Watson's parent, Ian Murning was co-opted by the Merchant Company Education Board. As Chairman of the Property Committee, Ian would like to contribute to a smart, modern, well maintained campus which is fit for purpose and provides the best possible learning environment in which pupils can excel. Ian formerly chaired the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland and now teaches at Napier University, as well as being principal of a private practice firm of chartered surveyors. Ian is a member of the Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education and is Chair of the Capital Investment Committee. |
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Mr Ian Bell
Ian Bell was co-opted to the Council by the Merchant Company Education Board. He is a member of the Finance Committee and a Trustee of the George Watson's Family Foundation. He is also a member of the Health and Safety Committee. Ian is a Senior Manager with RBS and a director of three other charities, including the Earl Haig Fund (Scotland), where he is Chair of the Finance and Investment and Remuneration Committees, and The Sportsman's Charity. Ian seeks to ensure the aims and ambitions of the School are supported by sound financial systems. |
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Mr Kenneth Dunbar
Kenneth Dunbar, a former Watson's parent, was co-opted by the Merchant Company Education Board. As a member of the Education Committee, he seeks to promote a high standard of educational achievement; to contribute to the School's strategic planning and to support and challenge the School; and to ensure accountability. Kenneth has been a partner in Archibald Campbell & Harley WS since 1973. |
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Mrs Jacqueline Easson
Jacqueline Easson was co-opted by the Merchant Company Education Board, and is a member of the Property Committee. Following a career in medical research, she founded Macploy Recruitment Consultancy in 1972 and still maintains controlling interest. She was appointed as a member of Lothian Region Children's Panel Advisory Committee in 1995 and has served as Chair of the committees of Edinburgh areas North, West and South. She is also much involved in the Edinburgh Rotary Club. Jacqueline is keen to bring to the School a lifelong interest in career development together with experience and understanding of relationships between academic qualifications and employer expectations. |
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Mr Alan Hartley
Alan Hartley served as a Governor of the School from 1999 to 2003, but resigned when he was approached to become Master of the Merchant Company. Alan is a chartered accountant and was a tax partner with KPMG for many years. He now holds a number of non-executive directorships and trustee positions and is delighted to return as a Governor once more. Alan was a Foundationer at Watson's and realises the importance of the Family Foundation. His financial background also means he will focus on maintaining the financial strength of the School and best practice governance. |
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Mrs Jane Hay
Jane Hay was co-opted by the Governing Council of George Watson's College. As a member of the Education Committee and as a parent, Jane is interested in the quality of education and in the range of wider opportunities available to pupils from P1 to S6. Her focus is on ensuring the best possible educational experience for her own children and therefore for all Watson's pupils. Jane is a senior solicitor with the Scottish Executive, and was recently Chief Executive of the Scottish Law Commission. |
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Cllr Mark McInnes
A graduate of Politics and Modern History from Edinburgh University and formerly political agent to the Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, Cllr Mark McInnes was appointed to the Council as a member of both the Merchant Company Education Board and the Edinburgh City Council. Mark is very active within the School's local community and is keen to promote Watson's reputation within that community, and to bridge between the school and Edinburgh City Council to ensure that Watson's specific needs are represented. |
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Mr Graham Reid
Graham Reid, a current Watson's parent, was co-opted by the Governing Council of George Watson's College. He is a member of the Finance Committee and a Trustee of the George Watson's Family Foundation. He seeks to help ensure that the finances of George Watson's College are tightly controlled; that fees and other income are expended to maximise the educational benefit for its pupils; and that sufficient financial resources are also applied to the enhancement of the campus. Graham is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and is Group Finance Director of CALA Group Limited. |
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Miss Elizabeth Smith
Liz considers it an enormous privilege to serve as a Governor at Watson's. She hopes to combine her experiences as a former pupil and former member of staff of the School with her current educational responsibilities as an MSP in order to support Watson's in delivering its proud tradition of excellence both inside and outside the classroom. |
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Mr Gerald Wilson
Gerry Wilson was co-opted by the Governing Council of George Watson's College. He is a member of the Education Committee and Chairman of the Senior Liaison Group. As a former Secretary of the Scottish Education Department, he would like to use his experience of the Scottish education system to contribute to the governance of George Watson's College. |
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