Caroline Gardner CBE, the former Auditor General for Scotland, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor with the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Public Policy.

Caroline Gardner joins the newly established team which was created to build collaboration between the research and policy community. She will support the Centre’s work on policy evaluation and future public service delivery, as well as the development of its programme of Executive Education.

Launched in autumn 2023, the Centre draws on research expertise from across the University, building capacity within the policy community to help policymakers deal with the myriad challenges they face. The Centre aims to create new spaces for fresh thinking by researching policy challenges, sharing evidence, nurturing skills, and preparing the next generation of policy makers.

Ms Gardner’s distinguished career in audit, governance and financial management will be invaluable to the Centre’s programme of work, especially in the areas of policy evaluation and executive education. Her insights into the role audit plays in the scrutiny of public services will significantly strengthen the Centre’s programme of work.

She served as the Auditor General for Scotland from 2012 to 2020, responsible for auditing the Scottish Government, public bodies and reporting to the Scottish Parliament. Her time in office saw the establishment of integrated joint boards in the NHS and increased financial powers in Scotland. She brings with her a wealth of experience on public service delivery and scrutiny of governments.

Caroline Gardner said: “The Centre for Public Policy offers a vital place for academics, practitioners and stakeholders to work together on the complex policy challenges we face in Scotland and beyond. I'm delighted to be joining the Centre in its early days, and I'm looking forward to working with colleagues to improve public policy-making and address the policy challenges of the future.”

Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy, said: “I’m delighted Caroline is joining the Centre for Public Policy as an Honorary Professor, her expertise in audit and public service delivery will be invaluable to our programme of work. Caroline has played a pivotal role in shaping the effective delivery of devolution and public services, especially as Auditor General for Scotland. This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from her expertise, especially in our policy evaluation work and executive education programme.”

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said: “I’m pleased that the Centre has made another great appointment as it welcomes Caroline as an Honorary Professor. Caroline’s wealth of knowledge and experience as former Auditor General for Scotland will see her bring a unique set of skills and a new perspective to the Centre, joining a stellar line-up of experts, influencers and thinkers from across the political and policy landscape.”

First published: 19 March 2024

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