Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans has named its new chief executive

Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, who operate as sister charities, have announced that Craig Spalding, director of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, will take up the role of chief executive in late January 2022.

Michael Craig, chair of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are delighted to have Craig join us as our new chief executive in the new year. Craig is a visionary leader, who will bring with him enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to help us towards our joint mission of reaching everyone in Scotland with sight loss – where and when they need us.”

After first training as a microbiologist and working in the food and biotechnology industries in his native Australia, Craig Spalding completed an MBA specialising in quality management. This led to a variety of roles in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, then on to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service where he was Director of Quality and Compliance.

Spalding joined the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in 2019 as director. Under his leadership, the service reformed its approach to eligibility for blood donors. These changes allowed thousands of gay and bisexual men to donate blood for the first time, and made the donation process fairer for all donors. He also shepherded the service through the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that essential blood donations could continue safely.  

Spalding said: “I am truly honoured to be joining the team at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans in the new year. To become a part of an organisation with a rich history that makes a difference in the lives of many people in Scotland, along with the ambition to increase our reach to many others is truly motivating and somewhat humbling. I can't wait to begin my journey at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, helping both colleagues as well as the people of Scotland affected by sight loss transform, unite and thrive.”