Clare McPherson

Claire McPherson is Director of Universities Scotland. She has a wealth of experience shaping and influencing public policy at senior levels within the UK and Scottish Governments. Her career in the civil service included strategic and policy roles in the First Ministers’ Policy and Delivery Unit, leading cross government work on Public Service Reform and most recently as Deputy Director for Population and Migration.

Claire was also Deputy Director Policy at the Scottish Funding Council for two years at a key time during the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in the Council’s policy response, including the Council’s strategic review of the coherence and sustainability of higher education.

Universities Scotland supports the SCQFP as the custodians of one of the important ways in which learners’ achievements can be recognised, and pathways created for learners to realise their aspirations.