Today we share Peter’s story. Now Convener of the Scottish Social Services Council, Peter’s career has followed many paths since leaving school at 16.
When did you leave school?
I left school at 16 with a single O-Level and began my working life as a heating engineer. While my academic achievements at that stage were modest, I was determined to learn, develop and build a successful career through hard work, practical experience and continuous professional development.
What came next?
At the age of 24, I joined the Fire Service and embarked on a career that would span almost three decades. Progressing through operational, managerial and strategic leadership roles, I rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Chief Fire Officer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2013. Throughout my fire service career, I was committed to continuous learning, ultimately achieving two degrees alongside numerous professional qualifications, including a NEBOSH qualification and an HNC in Fire Engineering.
Do you have any career highlights?
A defining achievement was my major leadership role in the merger of Scotland's eight regional fire and rescue services to create the single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This was one of the most significant public sector transformations undertaken in Scotland, involving workforce integration, governance redesign, organisational change and the creation of new national service delivery arrangements.
How did you move into leadership and governance?
Following my operational career, I developed an extensive portfolio of leadership and governance roles across health, social care and local government. My experience increasingly focused on workforce development, organisational culture, strategic planning and public service reform.
As Chair of Bon Accord Care, I worked closely with senior leaders and trade unions to address workforce challenges, strengthen organisational performance and embed a positive culture through the introduction of the Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Accountability (RITA) values framework. I championed Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships as a strategic approach to building a sustainable talent pipeline and supporting long-term workforce resilience.
My governance experience includes serving as Vice Chair of NHS Lothian and Chair of the East Lothian Integration Joint Board, where I provided leadership on strategy, performance, risk management and financial stewardship during periods of significant change and demand. I also served nationally as Chair of Chairs and Vice Chairs of Scotland's Integration Joint Boards, contributing to policy discussions and leadership across the health and social care integration agenda.
My commitment to workforce development and professional standards led to my appointment as Convener at the SSSC where I continue to provide strategic leadership for the organisation responsible for regulating, supporting and developing Scotland's social service workforce.
Alongside these roles, I have contributed to community governance through membership of the Aberdeen College Board, serving as Chair of Drumoak School Council and through voluntary involvement with Grampian Credit Union.
What have you learnt?
Looking back, my journey from leaving school at 16 with one O-Level to holding national leadership and board positions demonstrates the value of continuous learning, resilience and public service. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to helping organisations navigate change, develop their workforce, strengthen governance and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.