United Colleges Group’s (UCG) Chief Executive Officer and Group Principal, Stephen Davis, has been appointed to serve on the Board of Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Ben Macpherson, Scottish Government Minister for Higher and Further Education, confirmed the addition of five new members to the SDS Board: Stephen Davis, Zahra Hedges, Louisa Macdonell, Lisa Thomson and Danny Gallacher. Each will serve a four-year term from January 8, 2026 until January 7, 2030.
Skills Development Scotland is the national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The Board plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of SDS and ensuring that its work continues to meet the evolving needs of learners, employers and communities across the country.
Mr Davis brings to the role more than 33 years of experience in further and higher education leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked across England, Scotland and the United States, collaborating closely with governments and employer representative bodies on the creation and implementation of skills development policy.
As CEO and Group Principal of United Colleges Group ─ one of the largest college groups in England ─ he has led significant structural change while maintaining a steadfast focus on meeting the needs of learners and stakeholders.
Frank Mitchell, Chair, Skills Development Scotland, said: “These appointments come at a pivotal moment for the organisation and for Scotland’s education and skills system as a whole.
“We are continuing to work with Scottish Government on the Tertiary Education and Training Bill whilst continuing to deliver a range of products and services to people and businesses across Scotland.
“These additions to the SDS Board will further bolster our drive towards a future operating model for the organisation, and I congratulate Stephen, Zahra, Louisa, Lisa and Danny on their appointments.”
Speaking about his appointment, Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal, United Colleges Group, said: “Skills development is a key component in the engine for economic growth and social mobility, and I have seen firsthand how its power has a positive impact on individuals, business and communities.
“This role is an opportunity to strengthen connections between skills policy and delivery, generating insights that will benefit learners everywhere.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
