Respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying service, has appointed Katie Rafferty as its new director. Katie joins Respectme at an exciting time as the service enters its tenth year of delivery and when Scottish Government is refreshing its national approach to anti-bullying for Scotland’s children and young people. Most recently Katie worked in the children’s sector as policy and campaigns manager for the National Deaf Children’s Society in Scotland, a UK wide organisation supporting deaf children and their families. With a great interest in issues facing young people, her previous roles include working with the National Union of Students in Scotland and Childline.

Andrew Lawrence has been elected as the new president of the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society at the charity’s AGM. Officially known as The BEN, the charity helps former and current workers of the licensed trade facing hardship, providing social, financial and emotional support. In his new role, Andrew will head the charity’s board and drive operational strategy, working closely with chief executive, Chris Gardner, to optimise fundraising and the delivery of services for beneficiaries. Andrew is a national account controller with drinks giant Diageo.

Scottish housing charity LAR has made two new appointments to its board. Alister Steele and Rani Dhir have been appointed as independent trustees for a four-year term. Alister Steele has over 30 years experience in delivering affordable housing and community regeneration solutions. He has just retired as managing director of Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association, part of the UK-wide Places for People Group and among his various non-exec roles he is currently chair of energy supply business, Our Power Community Benefit Society and trustee of Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh. Rani Dhir has a portfolio of non-exec roles including the Scottish Legal Aid Board, NHS Health Scotland, Erskine and the Housing Associations Property Mutual. She was a member of the Calman Commission on Scottish devolution, a member of the Scottish Government’s cities review group and was identified by a national newspaper as one of Scotland’s top one hundred most influential businesswomen. LAR Chairman Andrew Robertson said: “Both Alister and Rani have extensive housing and other relevant experience at a very senior level. They will help shape the future strategic direction of LAR as we grow over the coming years, helping to tackle a shortage of quality affordable homes across Scotland.”