OPITO has strengthened its presence at Westminster with the addition of a new policy affairs manager to bolster the sector’s profile with government.

Rona Macdonald has joined Aberdeen-headquartered OPITO after seven years as government relations manager with Oil & Gas UK where she was instrumental in ensuring the industry’s voice was heard at Westminster.

She joins policy affairs director Gillian Black as the organisation prepares to further establish the platform it has begun to build in Westminster during 2011.

“Rona’s background in the sector is a key strength which will enable her to forge stronger links between the oil and gas industry, government funding bodies and education providers, leading ultimately to tangible benefits for all stakeholders, employers and employees within industry,” said Ms Black.

“While we have made great strides to date, increasing our presence will help OPITO establish stronger links and help to influence national skills and education policy in order to drive productivity growth in the industry.”

An industry professional, Macdonald began her career in the oil sector in Aberdeen during the late 1980s. Prior to joining Oil & Gas UK, she spent four years as head of government relations with BT working on large public sector IT procurement projects and gained valuable experience in influencing legislation while campaigning for improvements to animal welfare with the RSPCA.

She has also provided the Secretariat for the British Offshore Oil & Gas Industry All Party Parliamentary Group at Westminster and the Oil & Gas Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament.

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