Cathy Jamieson
Cathy joined Scotwest in 1991 and was elected to the Board in February 2017.
Cathy is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and also has Postgraduate Qualifications in Art Therapy, Social Work and Management. Prior to her career in politics she worked as a social worker, setting up and managing an alternative to care service and working as Principal Officer of Who Cares? Scotland, the advocacy organisation for children in care.
She spent 12 years as Labour & Co-operative MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, serving as Cabinet Minister for Education & Young People from 2001-2003 and Cabinet Minister for Justice from 2003-2007. As the Labour & Co-operative MP for Kilmarnock and Loudon from 2010-2015 she served as shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury, with portfolio responsibility for Banking and the City, financial services and financial inclusion with a lead opposition role in Financial Services Acts and Finance Bill Committees.
Cathy served on the Inquiry into Abuse in Residential Care in Edinburgh as well as the Advisory Group for the Independent Review of Hate Crime, chaired by Lord Bracadale.
She joined Children’s Services, Car Visions Scotland as the Chief Executive Officer in August 2015, with responsibility for Care Visions Residential Services (30 small children’s homes), a not for profit Fostering Agency and a pro bono initiative for care leavers.
In June 2018, Cathy was appointed as a Director of Kilmarnock Football Club, as the nominee chosen by the Killie Trust, continuing as a Board member of the Trust.
Why did you want to serve as a Director?
“I’ve been involved in the Co-operative movement over many years, and am a passionate believer in the mutual approach to banking and financial services. As a longstanding member of the Credit Union, I wanted to give something back to Scotwest, and ensure that it continued to grow in years to come. I’ve used the services of Scotwest as a saver and borrower over the years, and want to see new services and products developed which will benefit members.”
What have you gained from taking up this position?
“While having a lot of responsibility as a director, working with the team on the Board and committed staff has been enjoyable. Training has been useful and has helped me keep up to date with developments in the wider Credit Union Sector.”
In 10 words or fewer, why would you recommend joining Scotwest’s Board?
“Scotwest members need a voice to help shape the future “
