Announcing the appointment of six new directors to our Board

17 March 2022

Children in Scotland is delighted to announce the appointment of six new directors to its Board.

Claire Gillespie, Rachael Hatfield, Jane-Claire Judson, Peter Rigg, Steven Sweeney and Meritxell Bulbena Vela will join as directors next month, bringing with them a wide range of skills and experience.

The new appointments include the recruitment of two new young directors – Rachael Hatfield and Peter Rigg – both active campaigners for child rights and youth participation.

Rachael and Peter’s appointments reflect Children in Scotland’s continuing commitment to ensuring that the voices and experiences of children and young people are represented at all levels of the organisation.

On her appointment to the Board, Rachael said: “'I bring a voice to the table that has a lived and current understanding of some of the challenges children and young people face today, such as living rurally and having caring responsibilities, as these are things close to my heart.”

Among the new appointments are two voluntary sector leaders: Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and Steven Sweeney, CEO of Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire, the Third Sector Interface for South Lanarkshire.

Claire Gillespie brings her experience of the challenges that front line services face in her role as Operational Manager for a women’s aid organisation, while Meritxell Bulbena Vela, Finance Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, brings a strong business acumen to the Board’s broad skillset.

On the appointment of the new trustees, Dr Judith Turbyne, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, said:

“We are thrilled to be welcoming these six exceptionally talented people to the Board of Children in Scotland and our thanks go to our Convener, our continuing trustees and our children and young people’s advisory group, Changing our World, for helping us select and appoint our new Directors.

“They bring an incredible range of skills and experience and are all committed to and passionate about challenging inequalities and promoting the inclusion and participation of young people.”

The new trustees join Convener Maureen McGinn CBE, Vice Convenors Esther Black and Jo Derrick and continuing Directors Karen Conaghan, Rohan Gunatillake and Satwat Rehman.

Children in Scotland gives its thanks and appreciation to its retiring trustees, who have generously given their time and experience during their terms on the Board.

The Board is responsible for our overall governance and strategic direction and accepts ultimate responsibility for the sound professional, legal and financial management of Children in Scotland as a charity.

Trustees also approve our vision and values, set overall strategy, oversee implementation and monitor our progress to plans.

Click here to find out more about the new Directors and all the members of our Board