Ruth Binks
Ruth Binks is the Corporate Director of Education, Communities, and Organisational Development at Inverclyde Council, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she oversees a broad portfolio that includes educational services, culture, heritage, libraries, community learning and development, as well as human resources and communications. Before joining Inverclyde Council, she had a distinguished career in education within Highland Council. She began as a class teacher, teaching in primary schools from 1998 to 2004, and subsequently served as head teacher at Croy Primary School and Central Primary School until 2011. She then advanced to roles as a quality improvement officer and later as quality improvement manager within Highland Council’s education department.
She began her career as a professional musician, playing flute and piccolo. In her current role, she has been instrumental in initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of Inverclyde’s residents. She has led the development of the Active Inverclyde Strategy, which provides a framework for community planning partners to increase participation in physical activity, including sport. The strategy addresses challenges such as lower life expectancy and physical inactivity, aiming to create an environment that supports healthy, active lifestyles. She is also actively involved in cultural initiatives. She serves as Chair of Chamber Music Scotland, an organisation dedicated to promoting chamber music across the country. She also sits on the RSNO’s board.