Satwat Rehman, OPFS Chief Executive, awarded Honorary Doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University

Since joining OPFS in 2011, Satwat Rehman has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that address poverty and inequality. She has served on numerous influential commissions and advisory groups, including the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls and the Scottish Government’s Social Renewal Advisory Board.

In 2023, Satwat was appointed Co-Chair of Scotland’s Just Transition Commission, where she provides independent advice to the Scottish Government on how Scotland can make a fair and equitable transition to Net Zero for people and communities most affected by poverty and inequalities. She is also a board member of organisations such as the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and Child Poverty Action Group (UK).

Satwat’s collaboration with GCU has been particularly impactful through her work with the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU). Together, they focus on research that addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality, often involving individuals with lived experiences to develop practical solutions to social exclusion and deprivation.

The honorary doctorate was awarded during GCU’s winter graduation ceremony, held at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, alongside over 2,000 graduating students. This recognition highlights Satwat’s lifelong dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

On accepting the award, Satwat Rehman said:

“As I reflect on the work that led to this moment, I think of the people who inspired me, family, friends, colleagues, allies, who challenges the way things are and want a world that is more inclusive, more compassionate, and more equitable. I think of the communities who face the harsh realities of inequality every day, whose resilience and courage continue to fuel my commitment to creating change.

“I accept this honour with gratitude, but also with a renewed sense of determination. May we all continue to challenge ourselves to dream bigger, act bolder, and fight harder for a world where poverty and inequality are no longer the norm but a chapter in our history that we have learned from, and overcome.”