Samaritans has appointed James Jopling in the role of executive director for Scotland. James has worked in the voluntary sector for more than 20 years and has a background in fundraising and policy. The charities he has worked for include Oxfam, Shelter Scotland and Maggie’s Cancer Centres. His previous post was director for Scotland at Breast Cancer Now. Of his appointment James said: “The vital support Samaritans provides for people struggling to cope is second to none. I am delighted to be joining the charity at such an exciting time, with the recent launch of its ambitious six-year strategy - and ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections next year.”

Danielle Rowley has joined the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO) as marketing and communications officer. She will oversee communication of ACOSVO’s news, events, services and projects as well as increasing the organisation’s reach and engagement. She has previously worked for STV, the Daily Record, and most recently Gordon Brown MP. Danielle is a former member and trustee director of the Scottish Youth Parliament, as well as being involved with Young Scot’s Truth About Youth project.

Changing Faces has appointed Rob Murray as its permanent Scotland manager. Rob is a former Kinship Care policy outreach worker with Children 1st and most recently assistant director of operations (grassroots) with the Better Together campaign. Of his appointment Rob said: “I am very pleased to be appointed Scotland manager for this diverse charity. Having lived with a skin condition for many years the work the charity does means a lot to me. Changing Faces is going through an interesting period just now and I look forward to leading the team here in Scotland and playing my part it it’s growth.”

Scottish Huntington's Association (SHA) has appointed Catherine Martin as its new chairperson. Catherine is a current board member and has a long standing relationship with the SHA through her family which has been involved with the charity since it was founded just over 25 years ago. Catherine’s has previously worked for the charity and she was heavily involved in HD youth support around the world and is a prominent figure in the European Huntington's Disease Network.Of her appointment Catherine, who is also a quality Improvement officer with Aberlour, said she hopes her time at the helm of the charity will see further progress in finding an effective treatment for HD.