Appointment of Prof Paul Gray to the OU Council

Professor Paul Gray, an experienced public sector leader in Scotland, has been appointed a Council member for The Open University (OU). 

The Council is the OU’s governing body and, with Council colleagues, Paul will be responsible for overseeing the University’s activities across the four nations of the UK and beyond, helping to determine its future direction, and fostering an environment in which the University mission is achieved and the potential of all learners is maximised. 

Paul was Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director General for Health and Social Care in the Scottish Government from 2013 to 2019; responsible for the delivery of health and care services through 22 Health Boards, and partner organisations, with accountability for an annual budget of £13bn and a staffing complement of around 160,000. Paul joined the Civil Service in 1979 and held a number of Director General roles from 2009 until 2019.

Paul is currently an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow and holds a number of other positions in the public and private sectors. He is also a coach and mentor to a number of senior executives.

Paul places a strong emphasis on ethical and compassionate leadership, transparency and collaborative working. Committed to public accountability, he is experienced in leading delivery and change and specialises in public service, ethical leadership and governance.

Speaking about his recent appointment, Paul says: 

"I am delighted to be taking up the role of Council Member for Scotland. I have long been an admirer of The Open University's transformational approach to learning, and it is a real privilege to be involved with an organisation that is making a real difference for so many people". 

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland, adds: 

“I am delighted that Professor Paul Gray has been appointed as the new Council Member for Scotland. He brings a wealth of strategic knowledge and experience in government, health and social care. This will be hugely valuable as we continue to contribute to Scotland’s social and economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic and drive forward our mission to widen access to learning and skills to people across Scotland.

“On behalf of everyone who works at The Open University in Scotland, we welcome Paul and look forward to working with him.”