North East LEP appoint new senior economist

Victoria will lead the LEP’s work to analyse the North East’s economic performance, to ensure that decisions and work programmes are based on solid statistical data and trends.

She has an impressive track record in carrying out economic development research, evaluation and strategy development for national, regional and local bodies in her previous role as Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow’s Training and Employment Research Unit.

Victoria’s clients included the European Commission, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and local authorities.

Victoria has worked on high profile projects across Scotland over the past 18 years, including helping develop a skills investment plan for the Scottish tourism sector, reviewing the market for micro-finance and evaluating the impact of the European Social Fund.

“My role at the North East LEP is to help develop a stronger understanding of the trends that underpin the changing regional economy,” said Victoria, who is moving from Glasgow to Northumberland to take up her new role.

“I’m here to help the LEP and its partners make effective use of the evidence base in deciding about how best to grow the North East’s economy.

“I’m joining the team at a key stage with the launch of the refreshed Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) last month. The SEP provides a clear vision for the North East economy and economic evidence will have a strong input into helping achieve its vision.”

Born in Ayrshire, Victoria went to school in Kent and graduated with an MA (Hons) in Economics from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

She also worked as a research officer with the Combat Poverty Agency in the Republic of Ireland – a programme of work which helped influence Irish government policy on tackling poverty and social exclusion.

Helen Golightly, North East LEP executive director, said: “Victoria’s extensive experience of working with major public sector organisations will help us and our partners further develop our evidence base, better informing our decision making.

“We are delighted to be able to introduce her skills to our team which will be of great importance as we make fresh investments into the region and work with partners to design programmes and interventions which can deliver more and better jobs.”