The National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA) partners are usually busy preparing for a change of leadership at this time of year. Since its inception in June 2021, the NESA Board has had an annually rotating chair position, which is held by a senior staff member at one of the academic partners of Robert Gordon University, the University of Aberdeen, and the North East Scotland College.

But this year, the NESA Board has broken with tradition and RGU nominated the current Chair, Prof John Underhill, University of Aberdeen Interdisciplinary Institute Director – Energy Transition – to remain in post for a second year. The Board were unanimous in their support for John to extend his term as Chair and continue his instrumental role in shaping NESA’s reach and impact. This is not only testament to the great work John did in his first term in office in 2022-23 and has repeated in the past year, but also to the equitable and fair manner in which he represents the component parts of the NESA partnership, and his continuous advocacy for NESA at external engagements.

The Board are delighted that John has accepted the role, ensuring NESA has strong leadership and continuous operation throughout the coming year.

In accepting the nomination, John said: 
“I’m looking forward to continuing my full and active role in helping to lead NESA in my capacity as Chair. NESA’s work will be pivotal in helping meet workforce and skills requirements through academic and industry collaboration. I look forward to helping expand NESA’s activities and build the workforce of the future.”