Workforce North Employer Group
About the Workforce North Employer Group
The Workforce North Employer Group was established to create an influential employer voice to shape the skills and workforce agenda for the Highlands and Islands. Its purpose is to ensure businesses have access to the right talent and upskilling opportunities to meet current and future demands, guided by the Workforce North Action Plan.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent employer needs and provide actionable insights on skills and workforce challenges.
- Drive collaboration across sectors with a shared vision.
- Identify barriers to workforce development and propose solutions.
- Support co-investment and joint initiatives that deliver long-term benefits.
- Influence governance and talent attraction strategies to secure the region’s future workforce.
Membership
The Employer Group is made up of senior leaders and influencers from across key sectors. Members are well-connected within their industries and communities, bringing expertise and insight to help shape practical solutions.
Membership is designed to reflect the diversity of the regional economy, ensuring representation from large employers, SMEs, and strategic partners. Each member commits to actively contributing intelligence, sharing challenges, and collaborating on initiatives that support the Workforce North Action Plan.
David Logie (Chair) - Haventus
Tom Uppington - Alvance British Aluminium
David Duguid - Aurora Energy Services
Jamie Murphy - Balfour Beattie
Steven MacKay - CRC Evans
Derek Brown - Highland Council
Beth Brown - Highland Council
Stuart Black - Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Alastair Nicolson - Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Alli Vass - Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport
Michael MacDonald - Lifescan
Stuart MacDonald-Butler - Mitsui/Global Energy group
Gordon Williamson - Morrisons Construction
Neil Archibald - NHS Highland
Magnus Davidson - NRS Dounreay
Callum Cruden - R&I Cruden
John Pocock - RSE Water
Gavin Ross - SGL Carbon
Damien Yeates - Skills Development Scotland
Marion Beattie - Skills Development Scotland
Claire Sim - Skills Development Scotland
Stephanie O’Donnell - SSE
Linda McDermott - West Fraser Inverness