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Who we are > Our team

Our team

After nearly 10 years at Forth Sector, our Chief Executive, Kevin Robbie, has decided to move on to new opportunities and interests around venture philanthropy and social return on investment. He will continue cooperating with Forth Sector for the next 6 months in a Development Advisor’s capacity. We owe a huge debt of thanks to Kevin for all his hard work over the years in leading Forth Sector to new strength and stature as an organisation.

Chief Executive

Provides leadership, executive and strategic direction to Forth Sector in the furtherance of its vision and aims.

As of 4th February 2008, Forth Sector will be led by our new CEO – Mike Finlayson.

Mike’s joining Forth Sector with wealth of experience in both private and social enterprise sectors, including managing department stores for companies such as BHS and Debenhams, leading Community Business Scotland, the Scottish Cooperative Development Company and the Scottish Community Investment Fund Plc.

Mike has used his commercial experience for the benefit of the voluntary sector as Retail Advisor to Oxfam and has also worked as a Director of Development for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

His most recent job was as a CEO for Teacher Support Scotland, a charity dedicated to improving the wellbeing of teachers.

Forth Sector management is divided into four teams:


Commercial Support Team:

Cheril von Barsewisch, Commercial Director

Headed by Cheril von Barsewisch, Commercial Director, who will be on maternity leave from December 2007. Until her return in June 2008, the team will be managed by James Belton who will lead the management of existing social firms and impact measurement of the organisation.

James has spent the past 10 years managing in the social enterprise sector, including a previous lengthy period with Forth Sector and the setting up of the social enterprise subsidiary of a Housing Association.


Finance and Resources Team

Headed by John Inglis, Finance and Resources Director, we manage the Financial, IT and all other associated resources aspects of Forth Sector.

John joined us in September 2007 and has many years of experience in the for-profit sector. The Finance and Resources team are committed to providing a high standard of quality support to all areas of the organisation.


HR & Employability Team

Headed by Pegs Bailey, Human Resources and Employability Director, we provide specialist support to help people build health and well-being through employment.

Pegs has direct responsibility for Forth Sector's human resource support and the quality management of our employability projects. Having a good grounding within the social sector, she is developing a new social audit programme.

Pegs Bailey, Human Resources and Employability Director
 

Marketing and Business Development Team

Headed by Neal Mackay, Marketing and External Relations Director, we work with other organisations to support our businesses and social enterprise activity.

Neal Mackay, Business Development Director

Neal and his team have a strong background in all aspects of the business planning process for social enterprise. Forth Sector Development works directly with social economy organisations seeking to develop enterprise activities and with funders to provide pre and post application support.

Forth Sector Development also manages Social Enterprise Edinburgh, the gateway to social enterprise support within the city.

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