SFC news published since 2018. See SFC archived content for earlier news articles.
Chris Green
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today announced the appointment of Christopher Green as its new Chief Executive.
The appointment follows an open and rigorous recruitment process that attracted an exceptionally strong field of candidates with the selection process supported by our recruitment partner, Saxton Bampfylde.
Chris Green brings more than 30 years’ experience of executive leadership, organisational transformation and public-service reform across higher and further education, skills, government and economic development. His career combines leading complex organisations through change with working across institutions and public bodies to translate strategy and policy into practical outcomes.
Chris, who takes up the role in February 2027, joins SFC from the University of Lincoln, where he has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations) since 2022, leading major organisational and digital transformation, including the development of integrated student services, while helping the University respond to significant financial and operational challenges facing the higher education sector. Previously, as Chief Transformation Officer at the University of Glasgow from 2018 to 2022, he established and led the University’s strategic transformation capability, delivering major programmes of change and strengthening its capacity to implement institutional strategy.
His earlier career included executive leadership at Newcastle College Group, one of the UK’s largest further education groups, with responsibility for business development across further education, skills and apprenticeships. He was also a Partner at PA Consulting, advising government departments and public bodies on organisational transformation, service reform and complex change.
Across his career, Chris has worked with government ministers, senior civil servants, regulators, governing bodies and institutional leaders, bringing experience of working across organisations and systems where progress depends on collaboration, evidence and the ability to turn policy ambition into practical delivery.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Cara Aitchison, Chair of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“We are delighted to appoint Chris as SFC’s new Chief Executive. He brings an impressive combination of strategic leadership, experience of delivering complex organisational change and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing tertiary education.
“Chris impressed the panel with his passion for education, skills, research and innovation; commitment to the transformation of public services to improve outcomes and maximise public value and economic impact; pace of delivery and impact while maintaining transparency and accountability; and his calm, considered approach and ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
“This is a critical time for SFC as we take on an expanded remit, including apprenticeships, within a particularly challenging fiscal environment and focus on economic growth delivered by a successful, sustainable and responsive tertiary education, skills and research system. Chris’ experience across education, skills and wider public services will be hugely valuable as we deliver not only our own transformation but support wider transformation across the tertiary system.
“I very much look forward to working with Chris as we build on SFC’s strengths and deliver our ambitions for Scotland’s future.”
Chris Green said:
“I am delighted to be joining the Scottish Funding Council at such an important time for Scotland’s tertiary education system. It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to help shape its future.
“Education has had a profound impact on my own life, from my school years in Shetland to my time as a student at the University of Stirling and later at Imperial College London. The chance to help create those same opportunities for others by leading an organisation with such an important role in Scotland’s future, is hugely motivating.
“I am particularly excited about working with SFC colleagues, including those joining from Skills Development Scotland, members of the Board, the Scottish Government, colleges and universities, private training providers, employers and partners across Scotland. By working together, we can make sure Scotland’s investment in learning, skills, research and innovation has the greatest possible impact for the people, places and economy of Scotland.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Scotland and getting started.”
