EVOC has named Bridie Ashrowan as its new chief executive, with Ella Simpson set to leave in the new year

Edinburgh's third sector interface has named a new chief executive - with its longstanding boss set to depart in the spring.

Bridie Ashrowan will take over as chief executive of The Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council (EVOC) in the new year.

She will replace Ella Simpson, who will retire in March 2021 after 12 years at the helm.

Ashrowan has over 30 years’ experience in the community sector, having worked in start-ups, social enterprise and business, including her most recent position as chief executive at Space and Broomhouse Hub. She led the the £3.2 million capital investment programme to open the hub – a local community development trust in an area that has some of the highest child and in-work poverty in Scotland – and was recognised with the Leading Light award at this year's Scottish Charity Awards.

She said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead EVOC and to take up the reins from Ella Simpson. Across the communities of Edinburgh, there will be many who will face hugely challenging circumstances. I look forward to working with partners, this talented team and the folk of Edinburgh in building a future together that we can be proud of.”

Simpson said:

“I’ve had the most amazing time working for EVOC. It has been an absolute privilege to work with such an incredible team and dedicated Board. It’s in our DNA to work with people, partners and all our stakeholders and I know that Bridie will build on that strong heritage. It would always have been bitter sweet to leave EVOC and this has been a particularly difficult year for everyone. However, I know the strength and courage of EVOC and our sector and I’m convinced that with Bridie’s leadership and the dedication of the EVOC team, peoples’ voices and the sector’s value will be heard and understood.”

Chair of EVOC Jan-Bert van den Berg said: “I am looking forward to working with Bridie on the many challenges that communities and voluntary organisations in Edinburgh face over the coming years. She, our depute CEO Ian Brooke, and our amazing staff will make a formidable team and provide the best possible leadership, advocacy and support to the sector over the coming years. Although Ella won’t leave her post until the end of March 2021 I would like to thank her for leading EVOC with so much energy, dedication and skill over the last 12 years.”

Ashrowan will be working with Simpson over the coming months as part of a phased handover.