Students on SBS's MSc programmes in Human Resource Management recently welcomed leading people management practitioners from Scotland's public sector as part of the Department of HRM's 'Masterclass' series. In February, students benefited from an interactive Masterclass talk by Catherine Topley of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Catherine is Director of Corporate Services at SPS, overseeing all HRM and organisational development functions for the organisation, which employs more than 4,300 staff. Catherine recently led a review of leadership development within SPS, and she discussed these issues as well as other HR challenges facing public service organisations. Her talk on 'The Public Sector Leadership Challenge' provided Masters students with a unique insight into the practical issues around delivering effective leadership and people management in what remains a challenging time for the public sector.
Earlier in the academic year, HRM students enjoyed a Masterclass led by Alan Boyter, Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, NHS Lothian. As Executive Head of HR, Alan Boyter is responsible for people management affecting NHS Lothian's 48,000 staff. Alan's Masterclass with MSc students was entitled 'Meeting the Challenges Facing Scotland's Public Sector: What role for HR and Organisational Development practitioners?'A packed Masterclass session allowed MSc students to quiz Alan on a range of HR issues, as well as discussing potential careers in NHS people management.
Dr Colin Lindsay, course director for full-time MSc programmes in HRM, said, "We are very grateful to both Catherine and Alan for spending time with our students and passing on their expertise - our Masterclass series provides our students with valuable insights into the realities of HR leadership, and an opportunity to network with Scotland's leading HR practitioners. Both Alan Boyter and Catherine Topley hold Masters degrees in HRM from Strathclyde, and it was a pleasure to welcome back these distinguished alumni to the Department".