Quaestor and Factor

‌The Quaestor and Factor is responsible for providing strategic leadership in the overall development of the University’s professional services. Direct responsibilities of the Quaestor and Factor include line management for a portfolio of University professional services, including the following service units:

  • Finance
  • IT Services
  • Eden Campus
  • Estates
  • Residential and Business Services
  • Legal Services
  • Procurement
  • Environmental Strategy
  • Research Grant Business Development
  • Technology Transfer.

Derek Watson has specific leadership responsibilities for 2 of the University’s 5 strategic themes, namely, Sustainable St Andrews and Entrepreneurial St Andrews.

Derek Watson MBE, FCCA

Quaestor and Factor (Chief Operating Officer)

Derek Watson is the Quaestor and Factor of the University of St Andrews, a role he has held since 2003.

Quaestor and Factor Derek Watson
Email:
quaestor@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)1334 46 2016

Derek is responsible for providing strategic leadership in the overall development of the University’s professional services. Direct responsibilities of the Quaestor and Factor include line management for a portfolio of University professional services, including the following services: Finance, IT Services, Estates, Residential and Business Services, , Legal Services, , Procurement and the implementation of the Environmental Strategy. 

Derek is also Chief Executive of St Andrews Innovation, which is a wholly-owned company of the University, providing focused oversight for all the University’s entrepreneurial, spin-out and commercial activities. St Andrews Innovation, formerly called St Andrews Applied Research Limited, was established in 2023 following a comprehensive re-branding exercise.  The new company will continue to drive the delivery of the University’s strategic theme of 'Entrepreneurial St Andrews' and covers current and emerging activities within the UK and around the world, including proactive engagement with industry and partners in the Tay City Region. 

He is the lead employer nominated trustee of the St Andrews Superannuation and Life Assurance Scheme - the main pension scheme for the University’s professional service staff.

Derek joined the University in December 2002 as Financial Controller coming from NHS Scotland where he was Deputy Director of Finance and Property Development Manager of an NHS Trust.

Derek was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023 for Services to Entrepreneurship and Sustainability.