Robert Porrer

Scotland

Experience in industrial marketing and HR led into a career developing and managing careers services and student services in four universities, in the UK and New Zealand.

Active professionally at the interface of Higher Education and employment, I have been Chairman of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, Convenor of AGCAS (Scotland) and the Scottish Graduate Careers Programme, directed a major “Enterprise” project and co-directed a study into the guidance needs of mature students. I have lectured extensively in the UK and overseas on careers education and guidance, strategic planning and performance management. Consultancy has included work in the UK, Eire, Australia, New Zealand, Romania and Hongkong.  Awarded AGCAS Lifetime Achievement Award (2007).

As Chair of the RSA Scottish Committee (2006-8) I was instrumental in helping the Committee establish a new direction after consultation with Fellows. The new strategy focuses on how we can have an impact within the devolved Scotland, by increasing Fellow involvement, developing new partnerships and enhancing the RSA’s profile in Scotland. A Networks Manager - Judith Friedman - has been funded to support developments.  A new Newsletter gives details of events, projects involving Fellows, a new project Venture Fund, input into public consultations, partnerships, networking opportunities, new websites and discussion groups. All this has been reflected in growth of the Fellowship in Scotland.

Over the past three years I have worked hard to improve relations between the Regions and RSA headquarters. The Fellowship Council offers a real opportunity to communicate the needs and wishes of the Fellowship to staff in London and to the Trustees. I believe my skills and experience would be valuable, especially for the development of a Fellows’ Charter and the review of the regional framework - where it is vital that the operational context for each region/nation is considered.