Janette Harkess - Vice Chair

Janette Harkess was the first woman to be appointed deputy editor of the Evening Times. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, she worked for a number of national and regional newspapers, including the Scottish Daily Mail, where she was features editor. Janette was appointed deputy editor of The Herald in 2006.

In 2009, Janette joined the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) - an independent membership network, which strengthens Scotland’s competitiveness by influencing Government policies to encourage sustainable economic prosperity. It is a broad-based economic development organisation, with membership drawn from Scottish business, trades unions, public agencies, educational institutions, local authorities, and the voluntary sector. As Director of Policy & Research she is responsible for economy, energy, international trade and connectivity for the body at a Scottish, UK and European level.

Janette is a member of the Society of Editors and an honorary Vice President of the Press Fund (the UK newspaper industry’s charity). She is also a founder member of the steering group of 'Aye Write!' – Glasgow’s first major literary festival.