Kate Allum (Chair)

Joyce White OBE

Chair of Court, Elected February 2026

Joyce has over 3 decades of substantial business experience in senior executive and non-executive roles across organisations in the private and public sector she is passionate about playing roles in leading organisations to deliver of their strategic priorities and objectives, aligning with their values and most importantly for me, empowering people to improve their life chances and achieve their ambitions. She was recognised and awarded an OBE in the Queens New Years Honours list in December 2017 for her services to local government, education and Girl Guiding. 
 
She moved to the "next Chapter" of her life in June 2022 when she “retired” from her role as Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council where she led an organisation previously criticised by the Accounts Commission to one recognised for strong leadership, developing a culture of continuous improvement and delivering best value
 
She has recently been appointed as Chair of the Court of the University of the West of Scotland, effective 1st February 2026. She has a public Board Appointment and serves on the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board and currently Chair of the Integrated Joint Board for North Ayrshire. She also is a non-executive on 3 Boards, Inspiring Scotland, CenterStage and Pheonix Futures Scotland.  She has extensive Board skills and has chaired public and third sector organisations, led audit and scrutiny committees, reviewed governance structures and worked with a wide range of individuals across the employment spectrum. She is an Ambassador and Vice President in Girl Guiding Scotland.
 
She has a real focus on developing people and making a difference in communities, recognising the opportunities that can be delivered and achieved through social impact, sustainability, equalities, and early interventions.

Her executive coaching and mentoring accreditation, and mediation certification have enabled her to develop her personal style which is inclusive, motivational and solution focussed. Her Business is Peak Potential.

As a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant, she operated as Section 95 Officer as well as Head of Paid Service in a Local Authority in Scotland and currently coaches and mentors Chief Executives and Senior Executives across the UK.

She lives in Saltcoats in Ayrshire, with her husband and daughter, in her spare time she loves open water dipping, swimming, gardening and walking. 

Committee Membership:

TBC