How Elected / Appointed
Appointed by Scottish Council on nomination of Council
Members.
Term of Office
Three years
Principal Responsibilities
The Chair of the Scottish Council is responsible for
directing the Council's work and leading a team of
seven Executive Officers.
The Chair works closely with the Head of RCGP
Scotland, the Scottish General Practitioners Committee (BMA), the
Scottish Parliament and the media, leading on issues that affect
general practitioners nationally and ensuring that messages are
effectively communicated. The incumbent is also the budget holder
and main signatory on behalf of the College, and deals with any
issues of complaint received by the College in Scotland.
Finally, the role is also very important in strengthening
relationships between the College in Scotland and the UK
College.
Biographical Details
Ken has been a practising GP in Aberdeen for 20 years. He is
also a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and
an Associate Advisor in the North Deanery of NHS Education
Scotland.
Graduating in 1981 from Aberdeen University he became a Member
of the College in 1986, a Fellow by Assessment in 1994 and was
Treasurer for the North East Faculty from 1995 to 1998. He was a
member of the Quality Practice Award Development Team and continues
to be a member of QPA Working Group.
At Aberdeen University he developed an innovative programme for
students undertaking their attachment in General Practice and
Primary Care. This includes placements for students in remote and
rural practices, with the aim of trying to improve recruitment in
these areas.
His research interests include Mental Health, particularly
depression in the elderly and people with severe and enduring
mental illness in the community. He has published and presented
widely on these topics.