SCVO welcomes Richard Jennings, who replaces Andrew Burns
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has announced a new convener for its Board of Trustees.
Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector welcomes Richard Jennings, who replaces outgoing convener Andrew Burns.
Richard brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as head of education, housing and planning in East Lothian Council and as managing director of Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association and UK director of strategy at Places for People.
The former chair of Volunteer Scotland has over ten years of board experience, including chair roles on board and audit committees.
He has also held third sector positions on Homes for Scotland’s Board of Trustees.
Richard said: “I am excited to be joining the board at SCVO and contributing to the vitality of the voluntary sector. SCVO provides important services that support members to thrive, enabling them to have such a positive impact in the community. I am looking forward to making a contribution to the organisation and its members.”
SCVO is governed by a board of trustees, who play a key role in making sure the organisation stays true to its mission and values, serving the interests of members and the wider voluntary sector.
Most board members are elected from SCVO’s membership. Five trustees - including the convener - have been co-opted to bring special skill sets to the group.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “I’m delighted Richard will be taking over as SCVO’s convener in December. He brings a wealth of experience that I’m sure we will find invaluable and I very much look forward to working with him.”
Richard replaces Andrew Burns, who will leave the role following SCVO’s AGM in December.
He has been convener of SCVO since January 2018, using his role as a trustee as a way of being able to use his skills to assist others, while also enhancing and developing those skills by broadening his own experience.
As well as his work with SCVO he is also a board member of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, is undertaking a part-time PhD at the University of Edinburgh Business School and is chair of the Edinburgh Union Canal Society.
Over an expansive career Andrew has worked across the private, public and voluntary sectors – most recently having been leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, a position he held until May 2017 when he stood down.
Andrew said: "Having sat as convener of SCVO's Board of Trustees since January 2018, I know first-hand the privilege it is to carry out this role.
"I am extremely proud of my time in the role, and the work SCVO has done in that time to serve the interests of our members and the wider voluntary sector.
"I wish Richard all the best in the role, and would like to thank all of the team at SCVO for their support over the past six years."
SCVO is looking for a new trustee from its membership community to join its board. Nominations close on Friday, 20 October at 5pm.
