Steven is passionate about the role universities can play in local, regional and national economies. He is keen to support SUMS members and clients with creative, future-focussed strategy, development of business cases (including Green Book methodology) and other funding bids, and creation and facilitation of tertiary and economic partnerships.
Steven has broad experience of project and programme management. He is skilled at scoping, planning and delivering transformation at institutional level, alongside supporting clients to play a central role in economic development activity. Steven is qualified to Practitioner Level in PRINCE2, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) and Better Business Cases.
Steven has a broad range of experience across the public, private and third sector. His most recent employed role in education was as a Programme Manager shared between UHI’s Transformation and Economic Development teams, working extensively with colleges and other key stakeholders across a broad geographic area. Before setting up his business, SWG Consultancy, Steven used his experience in a programme management role at the Highland Council, developing programme and project management infrastructure for the £2billion Highland Investment Plan. Steven now works with a diverse range of clients to design strategy and plans, justify investment and support leaders in delivery.
How has Steven recently supported institutions?
- University of the Highlands and Islands: working on the Outline Business Case for UHI Transformation to
- The Highland Council: part of the Highland Investment Plan team, a £2billion, 20-year programme focussing on development of Points of Delivery for integrated public services and partnerships
- UHI North, West and Hebrides: Year 2 Merger Evaluation Report, considering successes and measuring benefits of the largest college merger in Scotland since 2013
- Growth Deal clients: secured more than £6.5m in Growth Deal funding for major projects delivered by local authorities, universities and colleges
Outside of work, Steven lives in the Scottish Highlands with his wife and two young children, and enjoys spending time outdoors cycling and hillwalking.