I am a founding director of The Centre for Consultation. The Centre brings together experts in consultation, engagement, participation and deliberation to offer advice, guidance, training and other services to those who are seeking public input on service changes, infrastructure or policy changes.

I developed The Consultation Institute's work in Scotland, delivering a range of both thought leadership work and practical projects. I led on digital engagement for the Institute and worked across sectors. Partners for whom I delivered work included the Scottish Social Services Council, City of Edinburgh Council, South Ayrshire Council, East Lothian Integration Joint Board, North Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Renfrewshire Council. I delivered both training and advice and guidance on how to deliver a good consultation.

Working to place innovation at the heart of public policy in Scotland.

Responsible for management of Policy Unit and Policy Development.

I have achieved a great deal as Rector, including: A better deal for international students – freezing international fees through the degreeUntil this year International Students faced big increases (sometimes of over £1000) in fees from one year to the next. They now pay the same fee throughout their degree, making it easier to plan.Backing a landlord accreditation scheme and developing a 106-bed housing cooperative The accreditation scheme ensures that there is an incentive for landlords to do the right thing, and the Housing Cooperative is breaking new ground for cheaper and better student accommodation.Ensuring that the University builds new accommodation at Holyrood and at Deaconess House to ease this shortage. Pushing to ensure that serious action is taken to improve feedback and to make teaching better.Making Edinburgh University the first University to divest, on principle, from the arms trade in 2013.Ensuring postgraduate tutors and demonstrators are treated better by the university, have preparation time included in their paid hours and aren’t forced to work as part of PhD The University has made huge progress in paying the living wage and is beginning to tackle the problem of zero hour contracts. Peter worked with the Unions to bring these issues to the University’s attention and begin to solve them Supported sport at the University through more investment in facilities and clubs. Edinburgh is now one of the leading sport Universities.Securing funding for student volunteering and has supported the ongoing development of these important elements of student life.

Responsible for:- External relations;- Policy on preventative health;- Media relating to public policy.

Policy Officer, with lead responsibility for:- Local Government;- Other government agencies working at local level;- Relationships with Unions;- Voluntary Sector funding policy;- Manifesto writing;- Third Sector Interfaces and Councils for Voluntary Service;- Interactions with CoSLA and SOLACE Scotland.

Responsible for personal office of Mark Ballard, including regional and parliamentary work:- Speech writing;- Local campaigns;- Local press and media;- Policy development- Policy work on portfolio issues;- Political strategy.