Venture Scotland is incredibly lucky to have a brilliant Board of Trustees who support every aspect of our work, from the oversight needed to keep a charity like ours going, to the daily volunteering, driving minibuses and spending time with our participants.
Today, we’re introducing our Chair of the Board, James.
My name is James Cran, and I am the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Venture Scotland. Outside of VS, I used to be an employment lawyer, and I’m now doing consultancy for my old firm and working for a training company.
The Board have 6 meetings a year and my job as Chair is to make sure we cover all the topics that we need to – such as finances and monitoring the risks to the charity and generally ensuring we are acting in accordance with our purpose, and the relevant rules and regulations!
One of the many great things about Venture Scotland is that once you hear about what they do and the impact they have, you really want to get involved. So when a former colleague who volunteered with VS asked me to get involved, I began as a Trustee back in 2009 until 2015, and I stayed in touch since then and re-joined the Board as Chair in 2024.
I have learned a lot from everyone at Venture Scotland – the staff team, fellow volunteers and, most of all, from the participants. My life is fuller and more interesting because of Venture Scotland. I also believe in the power of the outdoors – it’s not only a great head-clearer and restorer for individuals but being with a group of others in the outdoors is one of life’s great pleasures. The feeling that you get when doing things outdoors and together has always been important to me. Glen Etive is a special place to reflect and spend time with others, and I am excited about returning there after too long of an absence.
A moment that really sticks with me is getting to go Abseiling with our Venture On to Recovery group in Glasgow. I had never done it before and (quite reasonably, I think!) do not like heights. There were a few of us with similar reservations, but we all supported each other – and did it! All with the support of the great leadership and encouragement from Kat Ryan – Outdoor Programme Leader in Glasgow!
Being a member of Venture Scotland’s Board is a fun and meaningful way to contribute. Being able to use some of the skills that you have from your professional life in this way is great for Venture Scotland and helps you develop new skills and fresh insight. In my experience with Venture Scotland, you get at least as much as you give!