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Welcoming our new Chair of the Board of Trustees

Exciting changes are underway at Venture Scotland as we announce James Cran as the new chair of our Board of Trustees. James will be stepping into the role following four incredible years of leadership by Evelyn Simpson. Evelyn’s dedication and vision have played a vital role in shaping Venture Scotland’s impact, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for Venture Scotland as we continue our mission to support young people through life-changing outdoor experiences.
Evelyn Simpson, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees
 
“I’ve served as a Trustee of Venture Scotland for 8 years and have been Chair for four of those, and it has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs I have done. As an organisation and as a Board of Trustees, we’ve accomplished a great deal over the last 4 years.  As I step down as Chair, there are two achievements that stand out.
 
The first is how Venture Scotland managed through the pandemic.  Without exception, the staff, volunteers, and trustees went above and beyond to support young people and navigate the many challenges that were thrown at us during that difficult period.
 
The second has been our Ambassador programme and the difference that bringing the voices of our participants to the board table has made in our decision-making. It’s easy as Trustees to focus on the practicalities of governance but having input from the Ambassadors is a reminder of the real impact Venture Scotland has on the lives of young people. I’ve been very lucky to have worked with a great group of Trustees since 2020.  They’ve each brought skills, experiences, teamwork and challenge, making the board much more than the sum of its parts.  
 
There are many challenges ahead for Venture Scotland and for the third sector in general, but I’m delighted that James Cran will be taking over the role of Chair. He’ll bring a fresh perspective, a huge amount of experience from his successful legal career and a long-term connection to Venture Scotland to the role.” 
James Cran, incoming Chair of the Board of Trustees
 
“It is a real privilege to be stepping into the role of Chair and working with the fantastic Venture Scotland team. This is a truly life-changing organisation and the need for it among young people has never been greater. Everyone involved with Venture Scotland is making a real difference to young lives. 
 
A big thank you to Evelyn for all the work she has done as Chair over the last four years and for all the support she has offered me (and continues to offer!) as I take up this new role. David and the staff team’s commitment and ability is inspiring and I am very excited to get to know the Board, staff, volunteers, Ambassadors and young people better and help change young lives outdoors.”
David Brackenridge, CEO

“Over the last four years, Evelyn oversaw a real sea change in the governance of the organisation. Highlights must include bringing the voices of young people into Board decisions through supporting Ambassadors to contribute at all meetings, the development of a live (and easily understandable) risk register to support the board and staff mitigate risk effectively, ensuring all trustees are appropriately trained to understand their responsibilities and her ability to ensure trustees are given the information they require in advance so that they can raise questions and make well-considered and collective decisions.

However, I will always value Evelyn for being someone always available to discuss any aspect of the organisation as a kind friend, who was never afraid to challenge me and the staff team, to ask the difficult questions and to hold us to account, while also understanding the challenges being faced. A wise, steady and unflappable resource!

I’m also delighted to have James stepping up as our new Chair. Having worked with James ten years ago, when we were both trustees of Venture Scotland, I know he also brings knowledge, wisdom and steadiness to the role. I’m very much looking forward to working together to take the organisation forward.”

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