The John Smith Centre was set up to promote a positive vision for representative politics.
- We encourage the next generation of representatives to see politics as one of the most effective ways to pursue change
- We encourage those who have the interest and passion but not the access or means to enter politics
- We champion excellence in politicians to act as role models for public service
- We foster respect for our elected representatives through advocacy and debate and improving understanding of what it means to serve our citizens.
“John Smith was one of our most distinguished alumni. His influence and impact were, and are, profound. It is clear that we now live in an age of crisis and renewal. We should focus on the opportunities for renewal and creating the institutions and ideals that can drive improvement across society. The John Smith Centre for Public Service can do this.”
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli
Principal of the University of Glasgow
The night before he died in May 1994, The Rt Hon John Smith QC, MP gave a speech that concluded with these words:
"The opportunity to serve our country - that is all we ask."
That single phrase encapsulates a lifetime of seeking to help others through public service. Inspiring that in a new generation will be the legacy of the John Smith Centre.
The Centre sits within the School of Social & Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Glasgow is one of the UK’s leading research institutions and is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. Named Scottish University of the Year 2018 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good Universities Guide, the University of Glasgow has an annual research income of more than £180 million and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, which is chaired by Glasgow Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli OBE.