RSE Chief Executive appointed to Open University’s governing body

The Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Chief Executive Professor Sarah Skerratt has been appointed to the Open University’s Council and has been asked to chair the Open University in Scotland’s Scottish External Engagement Group.

She took up her position as lay member of OU Council in early March 2026.

As a member of the 23-strong UK-wide Council, Professor Skerratt will contribute to the general control of the affairs of the university. The Council is responsible for strategic planning, monitoring effectiveness and performance, finance, audit, estate management and human resource management.

In her role at chair of the OUiS Scottish External Engagement Group, Professor Skerratt will support the university’s outreach and engagement strategy. The group is vital to the OU’s work in Scotland in helping to increase its visibility, grow awareness, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving forward it mission to reach all parts of the country.

Professor Skerratt said: “It is an honour to take up this position with the Open University Council and to be chairing the Open University in Scotland’s Scottish External Engagement Group. I was absolutely delighted to accept the invitations to these two key roles and bring my perspectives, knowledge, and years of leadership experience to the university.

“The OU has an essential place in Scotland’s tertiary education landscape. Its unique teaching and learning model brings education opportunities to many who would not normally see themselves in a university setting. The OU has a mission to widen access and deliver flexible learning to suit the needs of the student and achieve lasting impact and I am keen to help grow that mission.

“I am particularly interested in the work the university does to support students in care-experienced settings and in secure environments and how the OU changes lives through the fostering of knowledge, skills, confidence, and innovation. The benefit of this work for our society can never be overstated.”

She concluded: “I am very much looking forward to playing my part in driving forward the mission of the Open University across the UK and Scotland and support colleagues in delivering impact and public benefit for people and communities.”

Martin Boyle, Principal of The Open University in Scotland said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sarah to the University’s governance body and look forward to working with her to further our mission and improving students’ outcomes”