The appointments to Routes to Work South (RTWS) have been made following a review of the charity’s board structure to ensure it is fit for purpose in the current labour marketplace and appropriately balanced between council oversight and independence as a charity.

The new independent directors – Louisa Clow, Jenni Hall, Louise McKay, Sean Seery and Richard Tawse – appointed by the council bring a range of knowledge and experience covering fields including risk and compliance, finance, Health and Safety, community volunteering, strategic leadership, governance and quality assurance.

They will join Niki Spence, who has significant experience within the employability and skills sector, including in her current role at Clyde Gateway, and who will continue in her existing role as an independent director with RTWS. Continuity will be provided with Niki serving as Chair for the forthcoming year.

Alison Brown, the council's Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, said: “The work that has been done by RTWS for more than 20 years to support people throughout South Lanarkshire into further education, training, and employment, as well as assisting employers to recruit staff, is renowned for its high standards and is absolutely vital to our area.

“To ensure that it continues to be as successful as possible, we need the board to be formed by people with proven skills and knowledge that cover the full spectrum of employment and employability. I am delighted that all six of these independent directors will combine to offer this and I look forward to the opportunities they will help to bring to local people in the coming years.”