Category: News & Information

Bridie Ashrowan has been announced as the new Chief Executive of EVOC, stepping into the role at the end of March 2021, when Ella Simpson retires after leading the organisation for more than twelve years.

Bridie has over thirty years’ experience in the community sector, having worked in start-ups, social enterprise and business, including her most recent position as Chief Executive at Space & Broomhouse Hub. In fact, she successfully headed the £3.2 million capital investment programme to open the Hub – a local community development trust in an area that has some of the highest child and in-work poverty in Scotland – towards the end of 2019.

Bridie commented:
‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead EVOC and to take up the reins from Ella Simpson. Across the communities of Edinburgh, there will be many who will face hugely challenging circumstances. I look forward to working with partners, this talented team and the folk of Edinburgh in building a future together that we can be proud of.’

Ella Simpson (Current Chief Executive) said:
‘I’ve had the most amazing time working for EVOC. It has been an absolute privilege to work with such an incredible team and dedicated Board. It’s in our DNA to work WITH people, partners and all our stakeholders and I know that Bridie will build on that strong heritage. It would always have been bitter sweet to leave EVOC and this has been a particularly difficult year for everyone. However, I know the strength and courage of EVOC and our sector and I’m convinced that with Bridie’s leadership and the dedication of the EVOC team, peoples’ voices and the sectors’ value will be heard and understood.’

Juliana Amaral has taken over at the helm of Bavs as the 5th CEO ahead of Bavs 50th anniversary next year, signalling a new era at the organisation. Juliana is well known in the community for her various roles in promoting social justice, promoting a sustainable environment and building community capacity. She lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed but has spent most of her working life in Berwickshire and Borders area. Passionate about the sea, Juliana is often found walking her dog on the beach. She enjoys meeting new people, a wide range of music and good food.

“I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of CEO at Bavs. I have always had a great admiration for the organisation and the amazing team behind all the good work that happens in Berwickshire. I am committed to continuing the fantastic work the dedicated team of staff and volunteers have delivered so far. I look forward to helping shape the next stage of the organisation and to continue to ensure that community capacity, development and support to local groups and organisations are at the heart of what we do. We are going through challenging times, facing a lot of hardship that COVID19 posed on us all. However, the community response to the crisis highlighted how resilient communities are and their capacity to respond to needs if the right support and resources are available. I am very proud of the work that happened in Berwickshire during the pandemic and will strive work closely with third sector organisations and community groups moving forward, building a stronger recovery plan with and for our sector”

During Summer 2020, the TSI Scotland Network leaders took learning from the TSI Survey and their own experiences, to develop the first Manifesto for Change.

Download: Manifesto for Change

This document has now been sent to all political parties and we hope will influence decisions and policies to shift investment and resources to grass roots community-led organisations at an increased rate, to protect communities and the most vulnerable in our society.

#fairerfutureScotland.

TSI Scotland Network Survey – July 2020

Through Covid-19 the TSI Scotland Network carried out an influential study over a two month period. A total of 1,184 organisations took part from local neighbourhoods to national level organisations across Scotland. the Survey and its main findings can be found here TSI Scotland Network Covid-19 Survey.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Third Sector in Scotland – October 2020

TSI Scotland Network and Volunteering Scotland have compiled the key findings from their joint surveying of third sector and the volunteering community through Covid-19. The full presentation can be found here.

Equalities and Human Rights Committee  – October 2020

Pre-budget Scrutiny 2021-2020 and the Impact of Covid-19 on equalities and human rights

The Chief Officers of three TSIs were asked to provide evidence to the Committee on 1^st October 2020 including Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise and Glasgow Council of Voluntary Service. The Official Report can be found here and the recorded session can be accessed here.