Career Services Collaborative Co-Chairs Announced - Elma Murray CBE and James Russell

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is delighted to announce that Elma Murray CBE, Vice-Chair of the DYW Employers Forum, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Career Services Collaborative - the national partnership driving transformation across Scotland’s career services.

​James Russell, Skills Development Scotland’s Senior Director of Transformation, has also been named as an Interim Co-Chair of the Career Services Collaborative.

Elma and James bring a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to ensuring young people across Scotland are equipped with the skills, insights, and opportunities they need to succeed in the future world of work.
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Elma’s appointment is an exciting development that recognises the pivotal role Scotland’s employers play in shaping the skills landscape. DYW is proud to be a fundamental pillar of the Career Services Collaborative, bringing together educators, employers, and young people to co-design a system that supports equity, ambition, and readiness for the future.

"I’m delighted to take on the role of Co-Chair at this pivotal stage in the development of the Career Services Collaborative. At its heart, this work is about ensuring that every young person and adult in Scotland has access to the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.

“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of employers in shaping a more connected, inclusive, and responsive careers system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of young people and adults.
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“I look forward to working alongside James Russell from Skills Development Scotland as we build on the strong foundations already in place. I’m also pleased that Michelle Fenwick will continue to represent the DYW network within the Collaborative, ensuring our contribution remains focused on delivering meaningful impact for Scotland’s young people and adults." - Elma Murray, CBE

James Russell said:

“The Career Services Collaborative has a crucial role in continuing to bring together those from across the ecosystem who have a responsibility for shaping or delivering career services, as well as those they serve.

“As we look ahead, it’s more important than ever that we continue to work together to collectively advance Scotland’s career services.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Elma to take forward the work of the Collaborative and to build on the work of Grahame Smith in his time as Interim Chair.
“On behalf of the Collaborative, I would like to thank Grahame for everything he’s done in his time as Interim Chair and for all his work with the Career Review.” - James Russell

Minister for Higher and Further Education and Minister for Veterans Graeme Dey said:

“James and Elma both bring a wealth of experience in careers support to this role and I am confident that they will be able to drive forward the next phase of work being taken forward by the Collaborative. 

“Improving careers support for individuals of all ages, including better information on career choices, job prospects and earnings, is a crucial part of the Government’s Education and Skills reform work. I look forward to working to working with James, Elma and the wider Collaborative, who will play a key role in enabling us to get there.” ​

The Careers Service Collaborative reflects Scotland’s shared ambition for a fairer, more responsive careers system - one where young people are supported by a diverse network of organisations, including employers, to make informed and confident choices for their futures.

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