Professor Mike Donnelly joins the board.
Scottish Refugee Council has announced the appointment of Professor Mike Donnelly as the new chair of its board of directors.
An accomplished business and management expert, Mike brings a wealth of expertise to the refugee support charity.
Mike will lead Scottish Refugee Council’s board alongside his non-executive roles with two children’s charities focussed on their legal and human rights.
Prior to joining Scottish Refugee Council, Mike worked in senior roles in universities across the UK and Australia, earning three honorary professorships.
His expertise and areas of interest include public sector management, and operations and quality management in public services.
He has also acted as an expert and special advisor to politicians at Holyrood and Westminster.
In his new role as chair, Mike will focus on building on the legacy of his predecessor, Rona Alexander, to create a long-term sustainable future for Scottish Refugee Council which best supports and welcomes all New Scots, wherever they come from.
Mike joins Scottish Refugee Council as the organisation celebrates its fortieth anniversary as an independent charity.
Scottish Refugee Council is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people seeking safety in Scotland.
Established in 1985, the charity provides a Scotland-wide support service to help people understand their rights and rebuild their lives.
He said: “When I see TV reports of people seeking refugee protection, leaving their homes and their lives behind in search of safety, I have one question in my mind: what can I do to help make a difference?
“I see the work that Scottish Refugee Council does every day to make a difference to people seeking safety here in Scotland. I’m committed to bringing my leadership and executive and non-executive expertise to support the work of the charity in its mission to build a better future with refugees in Scotland.”
Over his 35-year career, Mike has worked at the highest level of governance in universities across the UK and Australia.
He is Honorary Professor of Management with Heriot-Watt University and with Queen Margaret University in Scotland, and with the Victorian Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Australia.
Sabir Zazai, chief executive of Scottish Refugee Council said: “We’re honoured to welcome Mike as chair of our board. His depth of knowledge and expertise will be of huge value as we continue to work across Scotland with people rebuilding their lives here.
“I also pay tribute to our departing chair, Rona Alexander, for her passionate and committed service.”
