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:
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:
DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVE STAFF
DIRECTORS
EDAS has a Board of 10 directors who are responsible for all aspects of strategic direction and financial management. The Board comprises:
Irene Bell
University of Glasgow
Anne Brooks
Anne Brooks Ltd
Gillian Donald
Glasgow Metropolitan College
Mike Greaves
The Highland Council
Elaine Mulgrew
Greater Easterhouse Development Company
Professor Alan McGregor,
University of Glasgow (Chair of EDAS)
Anne Meikle
Fair Play Scotland
Jillian Moffat
Scottish Enterprise
Brian Patterson
Renfrewshire Council
Alistair Shaw
West Lothian Council
The Board has established a series of sub-groups to take forward specific elements of their activity. Currently the subgroups and their chairs are:
HR and Finance
Elaine Mulgrew
Marketing and Recruitment
Gillian Donald
Events and Conference
Brian Patterson
Policy and International
Anne Meikle and Irene Bell
Continuing Professional Development
Jillian Moffat
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.