Neil Mathers has been appointed chief executive of Children’s University Scotland - a charity that inspires learning and tackles disadvantage to ensure that every child has the best chance of reaching their potential. Neil was previously Save the Children’s head of Scotland, and led the charity’s work to tackle child poverty and achieve significant and sustained improvements in early learning; delivering innovative programmes, campaigns and partnerships to achieve immediate and lasting change in children’s lives. He is currently board director of One Parent Families Scotland and chair of Children of Songea Trust, a charity he co-founded that has educated and cared for hundreds of vulnerable children in Tanzania.

After 21 years at the helm, Magdalena Schamberger has decided to stand down as artistic director of Hearts & Minds, the Edinburgh based arts-in-health charity. Magdalena has decided she would like to pursue her own personal creative projects. Hearts & Minds will continue to provide vital support and benefits to young people and people living with dementia.

Lead Scotland has selected Amulree Welch for the post of learning coordinator, Perth and Kinross. Amulree will be responsible for a digital skills project, supporting disabled adults, those affected by a disadvantage and carers to learn digital skills. She said: “I’ve only been with Lead for a few short weeks, but am really already loving this position. It’s been great to get to know our learners, and I am really looking forward to supporting them towards digital inclusion one step at a time. I am also keen to find some enthusiastic volunteers, so that we can maximise the project’s potential and reach as many people as possible.”