An influential figure in the third sector has been celebrated as part of University of the West of Scotland’s summer graduations. 

Geoff Leask, previously the CEO of Young Enterprise Scotland, was recognised as part of a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey today (Friday 11 July). 

Geoff has more than 25 years of experience working in the third sector. As well as leading Young Enterprise Scotland, he also spent 12 years with the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT). This included eight years of regional responsibility before joining the senior management team and going on to serve as Director.  

Geoff recently founded Clayhills Consultancy in August 2022 whose mission is to support charities and third sector organisations to be the best they can. His current work is focussed on delivery of the What Matters to You approach in Dundee where a key focus is the implementation of the Make It Happen Fund which seeks to bring ideas into reality by shifting power, budgets and control into the hands of families and communities. 

Geoff has a wide volunteer portfolio that includes a directorship with The Merchant’s House in Glasgow where he serves on the Grants Committee. He was a Founding Trustee with the Elevator Foundation and is currently Chair of Stirling Community Media SCIO whose key output is Stirling Community Radio.  

As a respected voice for youth enterprise Geoff brought this knowledge into service as a Non-Executive Director with the Economic Development Association of Scotland (EDAS). Geoff has championed grass roots enterprise and entrepreneurship in many ways including a period when he served as a regular commentator with the Glasgow Herald.  

Included amongst the awards of recognition for his promotion and passion for enterprise and education are the Great Britain Entrepreneurial Champion Silver Award 2015, shortlisted by the Herald Society as Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 and he was a finalist in the IOD Scotland Third Sector Director of the Year Awards in 2019.

Johnny Mone, Head of Business Innovation at UWS, delivered Geoff’s laureation, which reflected his remarkable career in the third sector. 

Discussing his Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Geoff Leask said: “It’s a privilege to receive this award from an institution who – like my own work – places a significant focus on supporting and empowering local communities and young people. UWS’s commitment to its learners and being a force for good alongside other institutions and employers within the community mirrors many of the goals and values. It was wonderful to be part of the graduation ceremony today.”

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Our summer graduation ceremonies are one of the main highlights of UWS’s annual calendar; celebrating the amazing achievements of our students as they move on to the next chapter of their life, amongst their families and peers. As well as our students, it is fantastic to recognise the achievements of our Honorary Doctorate, Geoff Leask. Geoff is an inspirational force for good within the third sector, who, through his inspiring contributions throughout his impressive career, has made significant impacts to communities throughout Scotland and beyond – particularly for his focus on supporting young people.”