Columba 1400 is hoping the additions bring a wealth of experience.

The Scottish charity and social enterprise which helps develop young people’s potential is growing its board as it expands its work across Scotland.

Lorraine Sanda, the strategic director of people for Clackmannanshire Council, and David Oglivy, a partner with the legal firm Turcan Connell, have been appointed as trustees to the board of Columba 1400. They bring a wealth of experience to the organisation as it seeks to make a bigger impact in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the last 25 years more than 12,000 young people from tough realities and their key adults have taken part in Columba 1400’s values-based leadership academies, which have often proved to be an important turning point in their lives.

Through their six-to-nine-month Young People’s Leadership Academies, which include a five-day residential at their centre on the Isle of Skye, Columba 1400 helps young people explore and identify their values, recognise their leadership qualities and their potential to make a difference to their own lives and their community.

The organisation also facilitates academies for key influential adults including head teachers, parents, social, community and senior leaders so they can develop the best ways to lead their teams and the young people they work with.

Robin Fulton, chair of the Columba 1400 board, said: “I’m delighted that Lorraine and David are joining us and bringing their expertise and knowledge to the board discussions.”

Lorraine has been involved with Columba 1400 for more than ten years – throughout her career in education and public service. 

She was inspired to be the best leader she could be and to make a positive difference to the lives of others after participating in a Columba 1400 leadership academy herself.

Prior to her role as strategic director of people for Clackmannanshire Council, her roles within Clackmannanshire Council included chief education officer and improving outcomes manager within education. Before Clackmannanshire Council, Lorraine worked within the Scottish Government for eight years as an international strategy and performance manager and for 20 years within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a policy officer.

She said: "I was delighted and humbled to be asked to join the Columba 1400 Board as a trustee. I have seen first-hand how it has released the inner greatness in so many head teachers, leaders, young people, families, and communities. 

“I am looking forward to seeing how I can contribute to the journey of releasing that potential across our communities."

David Oglivy, who has represented several high-profile charities in Scotland through his role at Turcan Connell, will be invaluable to the board as the charity expands in scope and size.

As a partner he heads up the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Department and has management responsibility within Turcan Connell for risk and regulatory compliance. 

He previously served a term as chairman of the Employment Tribunal, and is a panel member hearing appeals before the Police Appeal Tribunal. 

He is currently completing a term on the Board of Examiners of the Law Society of Scotland and sits on the board of governors of an independent school, as well as previously holding board appointments with a college of further education and charity Leuchie House.

He said: “To be able to witness transformational change in the lives of young people is a great privilege and to be able to contribute to that transformation is the greatest privilege of all. 

“I have known of the work of Columba 1400 for many years, and I look forward to playing my part with enthusiasm.”