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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Goodmovers 29 June 2018 - look who has a new job

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Who is on the move in the third sector?

Alasdair Bennett

Goodmovers 29 June 2018 - look who has a new job

​Alasdair Bennett has been named as the new chief executive for the Bethany Christian Trust.

He will step up to the lead role on 1 August, having served as director of operations. He will replace Iain Gordon, who announced he was stepping down in April following 16 years at the helm.

Bennett is moving into is new role having joined the organisation in 1997 and has worked with his colleagues across all services, delivering and leading emergency and resettlement, visiting and community support to the 4,000 plus individuals and families who come to Bethany each year for help.

He said “I count it a great privilege to be able to serve in this way, to lead Bethany Christian Trust forward with an amazing team of staff and volunteers. Together with our partners, we will continue to make it our mission to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.

"The level of need in our society is not abating; rough sleeping, addiction, poor mental health, poverty and loneliness continue to cause damage in our communities, in families and in individual lives. I am passionate about extending our reach and support to respond in Christian love to the great need around us and to see thousands of living stories of impact and change, of suffering relieved and lives fulfilled.”

Vikas Pota

Goodmovers 29 June 2018 - look who has a new job

​Varkey Foundation chief Vikas Pota announced this week that he was leaving his role at the global education charity.

Pota, who has been at the head of the Varkey Foundation since it was founded by education entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Varkey in 2011, will now become the charity's non executive chairman. Current chief operating officer Cate Noble will take over at the helm.

During his eight years as chief executive, Pota helped turn the Varkey Foundation into one of the most recognised and influential foundations in the world. He will be remembered for his pioneering approach in elevating education policy from the preserve of policy-makers, and panel discussions into issues that captured the imagination of many. Pota is now set to head up a new organisation that will the explore the role of technology in education.

He said: “It has been an incredible privilege to have led our organisation since its inception, and I am honoured that the Varkey family and trustees have now asked me to serve as chairman. I look forward, in this role, to helping shape its future strategy and provide as much support as I can to its vital mission."

Firstport

Goodmovers 29 June 2018 - look who has a new job

Scotland’s social enterprise development agency Firstport has announced the appointment of four new members onto its board of directors.

The appointment of Dr Poonam Malik, Yvonne Greeves, Ailsa Raeburn and Chris Hellawell (who founded Edinburgh Tool Library) mark an important step as the organisation enters a period of strategic review. The new board members bring experience in sectors including finance, rural issues, technology, the sharing economy and gender equality.

Two existing board members, Ian Dommett and Angela McCusker, are stepping down after six years.

Josiah Lockhart, Firstport chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ailsa, Chris, Poonam and Yvonne and look forward to working with them. They all bring a wealth of expertise that will positively influence how Firstport develops and grows over the coming years."