Graeme Bishop
Supporting Statement (May 2011)
"May you have an interesting life" is a Chinese proverb that many of you will be aware of. The proverb is perceived by many as a curse as it invokes feelings of fear stemming from troublesome situations and uncertainty. Undoubtedly, we live in complex times, depicted by: unprecedented cuts in funding, the requirement to deliver more with less and the infinite bounds of expectation leaping forward at a fevered rate. Living with uncertainty has become a common theme for us all both on an individual and organisational level.
Interestingly, for most Chinese this proverb is heard for the first time through dialogue with Europeans or Americans. The proverb gained great prominence when used by Robert F. Kennedy in his Day of Affirmation Address in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966. This speech as you can imagine raised many issues pertinent to the time as Kennedy was a great champion of civil rights both at home and abroad. One of Kennedy's great parting shots in this speech related to the advancement of the world and the requirement to invest in the next generation.
Edinburgh Napier University prides itself, and rightfully so, in its dynamic and innovative approach at educating, developing and preparing a diverse range of students for the future. Undoubtedly, by providing a robust operating platform non- academic staff play an integral and strategic part in ensuring the ongoing success of the University.
In my role as Head of Campus Services I liaise with the majority of non academic and academic departments on a day to day basis. This involvement serves me well on two critical points. Firstly, I am constantly reminded of the wealth of talent and knowledge harboured within the non academic areas how fortunate this organisation is to have such a diverse skill set at its disposal. Secondly, on a daily basis I work with many of you to deliver support services often against a backdrop of wide ranging and conflicting objectives, which is common within most successful organisations. My role provides me with a fantastic opportunity to understand the issues facing non- academic staff now and in the future.
Prior to arriving at Edinburgh Napier University I served six years (1987-1993) in the Royal Air Force Police, before returning to further education at Keele University to gain an LLB (Hons). Between 1997 -2009 I worked in the Investment banking sector at JPMorgan and Barclays Capital within their respective Real Estate and Business Services Department, based predominantly in London. In October 2009 I joined Edinburgh Napier University as Head of Campus Services within Property and Facilities Services. In September 2010 I embarked on an MSc at the University which has provided a valuable customer insight.
As you can probably gain from this resume, change is a constant I enjoy. However, I fully understand the impact and requirement to ensure change is managed and communicated in a fair and transparent manner if it is to be used as catalyst to providing a better and brighter future.
I live with my wife, daughter (currently in the midst of the UCAS application process) and two dogs in Kinross, Perthshire. I enjoy hill walking, cycling and watching a great multitude of sports. I have two claims to fame: Firstly I have played five aside football against Rod Stewart and won. Secondly, Sean Connery stopped me in Anstruther (with a bag of chips in hand) and remarked that my Westie was a fine looking dog!! I will do anything that keeps me away from DIY or anything that can be associated with any form of building / facilities management in my free time.
On a more serious note the University Court serves to ensure the ongoing success of the University. If successfully elected I can assure you of my diligence in ensuring the non academic population are represented and perceived as a professional and critical asset core to the ongoing success of Edinburgh Napier University.