EDAS - text only site

HISTORY

EDAS was formed in September 1999 by a small number of founder Board Members including Jean Hamilton, Brian Patterson and Anne Brooks.

EDAS was formed to provide a range of supports and services to those with an interest in economic development in Scotland. Prompted by new policies within the Institution of Economic Development, which restricted membership to only those who had a postgraduate diploma in Economic Development or equivalent, EDAS was established to be more inclusive

A company limited by guarantee with charitable status, EDAS has grown steadily from its formation until it is now established as the premier association in Scotland with over 3,300 members and offers a strong suite of services to its members and others in the profession.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

EDAS aims to facilitate a substantial improvement in the effectiveness of economic development activity in Scotland through raising the knowledge, skills and networks of those involved in all aspects of economic development.

This will be achieved through:

raising the capability of economic development practitioners
forming a common understanding on effective economic development across all organisations involved in economic development
encouraging positive partnerships and forward thinking
disseminating good practice throughout the profession
influencing and developing relevant policy to improve the effectiveness of economic development.

Throughout all activity, EDAS will adopt the following working practices:

be membership driven
be inclusive to all those with any interest in economic development
continuously improve our activities
continuously strive for improvements in economic development in Scotland
be recognised as the “ONE” organisation that everyone interested in economic development MUST join
have an international perspective, directed to Scottish issues
be a respected authority on good practice in economic development presenting an independent and informed view
present good value for money.

WHAT WE DO

EDAS has established a strong set of services and activities which are continually reviewed and supplemented. As a membership driven organisation, suggestions for other activities are welcomed.

Currently the main activities are:

regular events with around 8 seminars held per annum throughout Scotland
an annual conference attracting around 200 participants
Introduction to Economic Development 2 day course
Web site
Responses to policy consultation initiatives
Developing new responses to policy
Networking opportunities
Publication of a Directory of “Who’s Who” in Economic Development (Published in November)
Dissemination of information and news relevant to economic development
Formation of international links with sister bodies.

DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVE STAFF

DIRECTORS

EDAS has a Board of 12 directors who are responsible for all aspects of strategic direction and financial management. The Board comprises:

Irene Bell
Aiming University Learning@Work, University of Glasgow

Anne Brooks (Vice Chair)
Anne Brooks Ltd

Carron Garmory
West of Scotland Housing Association

Professor Alan McGregor,
University of Glasgow (Chair of EDAS)

Anne Meikle
Consultant

Jillian Moffat
Scottish Enterprise

Ian Page
Ian Page Consulting

Brian Patterson (Vice Chair)
Glasgow South East Regeneration Agency (GSERA)

Ian Davison Porter
Business Improvement Districts Scotland

David Roberts
David Roberts Associates

Geoff Robson
The Highland Council

Alistair Shaw
West Lothian Council

Taylor Stewart
Skills Development Scotland

The Board has established a series of sub-groups to take forward specific elements of their activity. Currently the subgroups and their chairs are:

Governance
Anne Brooks, Carron Garmory & Jillian Moffat

Membership Services
Jillian Moffat, David Roberts and Taylor Stewart

Continuing Professional Development
Brian Patterson

Policy and International
Irene Bell & Anne Meikle

EXECUTIVE STAFF
Elaine Bone is employed through Brightstar (Scotland) Limited and provides the executive support for all aspects of EDAS operations. She is responsible for organising the events programme, Membership recruitment, handling the finances and coordinating the activities of the various board groups.