Been at the helm since 2013

An honorary doctorate has been awarded to the head of Oxfam Scotland.

Jamie Livingstone has been recognised at the first of the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) winter graduations which took place at Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries. 

Livingstone has been at the helm of Oxfam Scotland since 2013 and was celebrated for his work to reduce inequalities and to address the climate crisis, not just in Scotland, but across the globe. 

Born and brought up in Dunfermline, Livingstone studied international relations and economics at the University of St Andrews. Before being appointed head of Oxfam Scotland, he was the charity’s campaigns and communications manager, following an almost decade-long career in journalism, including as political correspondent for STV News. 

He leads Oxfam’s policy and advocacy in Scotland, often collaborating with others, and supports the organisation's global humanitarian and development efforts, including life-saving projects delivered in partnership with local communities internationally. 

On his award, Livingstone said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the University of the West of Scotland, particularly from an institution which has partnered with Oxfam Scotland for many years to help build a fairer and more sustainable Scotland.

“In doing so, I think of all those driving change within their community. With so much progress still to make, it was wonderful to receive this award alongside the university’s new graduates, who I’m sure will be among the next generation pushing for change in Scotland, the UK, and globally.

“My sincere thanks go to everyone at UWS for this recognition, which will inspire and energise my work in the years ahead.”

The University of the West of Scotland and Oxfam Scotland have been official partners since 2012. The UWS-Oxfam Partnership is an innovative model of research and knowledge exchange.

It brings together academic expertise from UWS and the social justice and anti-poverty campaigning strengths of Oxfam Scotland. Through the partnership, both organisations have collaborated with other civil society organisations to conduct research to inform policy in line with a shared ambition for a more equitable and sustainable Scotland. 

The work of the UWS-Oxfam partnership is closely aligned with supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Inclusive Growth and Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Professor James Miller, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, said: “As we begin the first of our winter graduation ceremonies, I was delighted to present Jamie Livingstone with an Honorary Doctorate from UWS.

“Jamie’s work as leader of Oxfam Scotland is truly inspirational and through his efforts with the charity, he champions many of the same goals and values as UWS, as set out in our Strategy 2030. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jamie and Oxfam Scotland, as together we drive forward our commitment to focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a real emphasis on reducing inequalities and climate action. 

“Congratulations to Jamie and all of our inspirational students who graduated at today’s ceremony.”