Dr Wai-yin Hatton, Chair of Court, University of the West of Scotland discusses how her own background has enabled her to contribute to Court discussions and decision-making around diversity.
Passionate about life-long-learning and wanting to support my ‘local’ university, I was delighted to be appointed UWS Court Governor from January 2011, just ahead of my retirement as Chief Executive, NHS Ayrshire & Arran. The UWS Corporate Strategy 2014-2020 states, ‘We are an inclusive organisation that welcomes and values diversity’. Its Court has, therefore, a good balance of women and men from a wide age range and various minority ethnic backgrounds. Having enjoyed 5 energising years as Governor, I applied for and was appointed as Chair of Court in February 2016.
My ‘diversity’ – Hong Kong born Chinese who has lived and worked in England, Scotland and Wales; female and married to a Brummie-Geordie; use Senior Bus Pass; have pals with different sexual orientations; a champion for disability sports. I, thus, contribute to Court discussions and decision-making with diversity systematically in my mind-set to underpin equal opportunities for all, and indeed, UWS’ global ethos. I enjoy ‘touch-stone’ opportunities from meeting with students and staff informally and at events, so that I can better understand their issues, promote and support improvements in their respective learner and employee experience, and their well-being.
My work through Wai Beyond is inspiring and nurturing greatness in people, teams and organisations. Being a keynote speaker at the UWS Inspiring Women 2016 is both an honour and an opportunity to encourage women from the range of diverse background to unleash their talents.
My own life and work journey is rich, with countless ‘highs’. I take a positive and appreciative approach in promoting and embedding diversity – articulating these as assets, creating opportunities for success, facilitating the breaking of glass-ceilings and celebrating achievements. And as Chair of Court, being a role-model in ‘living’ the UWS Truth of ‘Dare to be Different’ and the UWS mantra - Dreaming, Believing and Achieving.
Dr Wai-yin Hatton, Chair of Court, University of the West of Scotland