Guide Dogs has announced the appointment of Tom Wright as the charity’s new chief executive, from mid-September. Jamie Hambro, chairman of Guide Dogs board of trustees, said: “We are all delighted that Tom brings with him a wealth of experience from Age UK and Age International where he has been their chief executive for nearly nine years. He has the knowledge, experience and background to lead the organisation and ensure the delivery of a range of life-changing services to those living with sight loss. Acting chief executive Steve Vaid will be promoted to chief operating officer and will work closely with Wright.

The European Youth Card Association (EYCA), has elected the chief executive of Young Scot, Louise Macdonald, as their new president. EYCA represents the interests of nearly six and half million young cardholders across 40 youth card organisations in 37 European countries. The organisations work together to help young people to access social, cultural, education and economic opportunities through European Youth Card services and contribute to policy on youth mobility and active citizenship.

SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum has appointed a new chair and vice chair. The new chair is Kate Wimpress, director of North Edinburgh Arts, a charitable community organisation based in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, Muirhouse in Edinburgh. Kate has a wide range of experience in the community arts, heritage, employability and social inclusion fields, having previously worked for Edinburgh’s Capital City Partnership agency and Antrim Borough Council, Ards Borough Council and Down Community Arts in Northern Ireland. The new vice chair is Jamie Ballantine. Jamie, who also joined the SURF board in 2015, is currently the social regeneration manager at Queens Cross Housing Association. Prior to joining Queens Cross in 2016, he was customer engagement manager for Maryhill Housing Association.