Grew the organisation from six to 20 staff

Richard Dixon is stepping down as director of Friends of the Earth Scotland (FoES).

It signals the end of Dixon’s second stint at FoES, having been senior campaigner for eight years from 1994.

In the interim he was head of policy and then director of WWF Scotland, before returning to FoES as director in 2013.

His last nine years have been among the most successful in the organisation’s 40 years history with the organisation growing from six members of staff to a team of over 20.

Dixon is planning to become a freelance writer and researcher on climate, energy, and advisor on campaign, advocacy, comms and organisational strategy. 

FoES was at the heart of civil society activities around the COP26 climate summit last year, playing host to the Friends of the Earth International family and playing a key role in the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, and establishing the COP26 Coalition.

The group said it is in the process of recruiting a new director. Alice Johnston, head of operations, Kerrigan Bell, head of development & communications and Mary Church head of campaigns, will take over as interim co-directors until the post is filled.

The organisation said in a statement: “The team offers our sincere thanks for all that Richard has taught us and helped us achieve together and for being our wonderful friend and colleague.”