John Swinney
John Swinney has earned wide respect across the political spectrum. He served as Deputy First Minister of Scotland from 2014 to 2023, and brings to the Centre his wealth of experience as a parliamentarian and senior minister. He held various Scottish Cabinet roles under First Ministers Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon from 2007 to 2023.
John has served as a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since its foundation in 1999, and previously served as an MP in the House of Commons. He was the Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 2000 to 2004.
In his role as Professor, John will lend support to the development of the Centre’s Executive Education programme, and support staff in how to engage effectively with the policy process. This includes understanding the role of evidence in policy and law-making alongside the many other factors that ministers and parliamentarians must consider.
"It is an honour and a privilege to join the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow as an Honorary Professor. Now, more than ever, it is important that policy makers and parliamentarians work in partnership with our universities to help tackle the issues that are impacting our collective health, wellbeing and standard of living.
Although the challenges we face are undeniably substantial, I have always been optimistic that change and reform is possible within our society. However, this can only happen with the truly collaborative approach that is the Centre for Public Policy's mission.
I applaud the University of Glasgow for its commitment to supporting public policy and I very much look forward to working with the Centre and wider University community to develop and enhance the public policy process for the benefit of all.”
