As part of what is obviously a programme of fundamental structural change, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has created a new board to oversee its SAC Consulting division.
This is the latest development in a process which began with the shock departure of SRUC chief executive Professor Bob Webb last November after only 18 months in the job. His post has not been advertised, and most industry insiders expect that he will not be directly replaced a view reinforced by the announcement this spring that SRUC would become closely aligned to Edinburgh University.
Although there is no confirmation as to the reasons for forming a new SAC Consulting board, it may be a move intended to protect this valuable division from any Edinburgh University takeover.
SAC Consulting provides advice to the agricultural industry in Scotland and further afield, as well as providing veterinary surveillance and laboratory facilities.
The changes will also see Jonathan Cowens, the present SAC Consulting director, stepping down from his post after 4 years at the helm.
He had previously been chief executive of the Home Grown Cereals Authority, and had extensive experience in the farmer-owned grain marketing sector and consultancy.
An SRUC statement said: “Jonathan has led SAC Consulting during a period of significant change and has been instrumental in recent work to set up the new board.
“While SAC Consulting and its staff will continue to operate as normal it will be overseen by a new board with immediate effect.
“It is to be chaired by current SRUC vice-chairman Pat Machray.
“The other members, who also presently sit on either the SRUC or SAC Commercial boards, are Luke Borwick, John Gilliland, David Green, Stewart Houston CBE, Alistair Marshall (vice-chairman), Wilson Marshall, Kate Richards, SRUC’s acting chief executive Janet Swadling and the yet-to-be-appointed managing director of SAC Consulting. The recruitment process for that post will begin shortly.”
Until now the consultancy division has been overseen by the SAC Commercial Board, which will continue to oversee SRUC’s other commercial activities such as research and its valuable farms and estate portfolio.
It is a fast-moving scenario. SRUC itself is not yet two years old. It was formed by the merger of SAC, Elmwood College, Barony College and Oatridge College.
It may yet have a short history as a stand-alone organisation. All will depend on whether the close alliance with the vastly larger Edinburgh University leads to a takeover.