They join as the charity prepares for its new strategy cycle
Dyslexia Scotland has strengthened its board with three new appointments.
Mary Berrill, Dr Jenny Guise and Barry Macintyre join as the charity prepares for its new strategy cycle from 2026 to 2031.
Dr Jenny Guise, psychologist and chief executive officer of Dysguise Diagnostics Ltd, said: “I’m honoured to be asked to join the Board of Directors. I admire the Dyslexia Scotland mission because of its emphasis on inspiring and enabling all people with dyslexia to realise their potential.
“It’s crucial for children and young people. It’s vital for adults who may never have had the opportunity when younger to have their learning needs or all of their talents recognised. I’m looking forward to working with Dyslexia Scotland to achieve these aims.”
Mary Berrill, a former HMIE inspector and educational consultant, said: “Dyslexic learners need to be included, engaged and involved in their education, and I have spent my career trying to support them in that. As an education inspector I saw the transformative impact that understanding, assessing and addressing dyslexia has on learners’ confidence and achievements.
“For the last three years I have supported the successful, innovative partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council, Dyslexia Scotland and the Sir Sean Connery Foundation. This initiative helped almost one thousand children and young people improve their reading scores and comprehension, and their confidence. In joining the board of Dyslexia Scotland, I am excited about this opportunity to support its invaluable work.”
Barry Macintyre, former chief operating officer at Clyde Gateway, said: “I have spent most of my professional career working in economic development and urban regeneration particularly within communities of multiple deprivation. One of my driving forces is helping others to shine and reach their full potential no matter what the challenges may be. I am both delighted and proud to be given the opportunity to support the charity’s fantastic work and shall do my best to help people with dyslexia feel understood, valued and celebrated.”
At the recent AGM, long-standing directors Tteasurer Andy Laverty, former HMIE inspector Mike Gibson and lawyer Karen McGill stepped down. Earlier this year, Chris Hughes, CEO of Estendio, also stepped down from the board following a decision to relocate.
The new trio will support the board at a pivotal point in the charity’s strategic development, ushering in the next strategic planning phase in support of the vision for a dyslexia-friendly Scotland.
Cathy Magee, CEO of Dyslexia Scotland, said: “This is a time of significant change for us. We say farewell to brilliant and dedicated directors whose wise counsel has helped Dyslexia Scotland go from strength to strength.
“At the same time, we look to the future and are grateful for the expertise our incoming directors bring. Their insight will be invaluable as we navigate financial pressures across the sector and a rapidly changing landscape in Scottish policy and social issues, ensuring that the needs of the dyslexic community continue to be met.”
