Who we are

Heather has a first-class BA (hons) in Psychology, a COSCA Counselling Skills certificate, a PGC in Inclusive Curriculum Design, ASIST trained, and is a qualified Yin Yoga instructor! As a member of a veteran family, Heather also brings a wealth of first-hand experience to this role. During Heather’s University career, she co-founded a widening access society to support service family students, demonstrating her genuine commitment to our cause. With a background across employability, tutoring, counselling, and befriending; Heather is excited to piece together her first-hand experience, educational background, and career experiences, to support the next generation of forces children.

Steven was a Teacher before combining hobby and career, working at two Football Clubs, setting up and running their Partner Charities. Most recently in the north east, leading Aberdeen FC Community Trust to being named by UEFA as the Best Professional Club in the Community in Europe. Steven was previously CEO at a Third Sector Interface; enabling volunteers, community organisations and social enterprises to deliver transformational change. Steven is also the Convenor of the Board of Directors at Children in Scotland, and is a Board Member at Sport Scotland.

Meg qualified as a Social Worker in 1993 and has worked in the statutory and voluntary sectors in both Australia and Scotland. She has further qualifications in social services leadership and management and in young people’s leadership and participation. Four years ago, Meg made the move from service delivery to the world of policy and influencing. Meg is passionate about realising children’s rights, particularly through amplifying the voices of children and young people to decision makers.

Nina previously worked with Fife Young Carers for the last ten years initially in a Development Worker capacity and subsequently progressing to a management role. Nina has a SVQ in Community Development Work and a Diploma in Leadership and Management. She is passionate about empowering children and young people to shape services to ensure they are provided a platform to share their voice, realise their potential and thrive.

Judith is an educator and military spouse who is passionate about improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people from forces families. With over nine years’ teaching experience across Scotland and Northern Ireland, she has extensive knowledge of supporting children with the unique pressures of life in a military family. Judith has a BA in Politics and Film and Media and a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Education. She strives to educate professionals and enhance their understanding of the positives and challenges that surround Forces Children across Scotland.

Abigail has been involved in charity-based youth work for over seven years, in community, school, and residential capacities, working to help enable and provide opportunities for young people with varying backgrounds and challenges. She has a BA degree in Theology and a particular interest in holistic pastoral care of young people, seeking to give them a voice and to help instigate positive change.

Lucy relocated with her family to Scotland 9 years ago. A Submariner spouse and mother of two, she brings a wealth of understanding and experience to the role. She has an FdA in Early Childhood Education, BA (Hons) in Human Behavioural Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environment and Human Health. Lucy has worked in primary education for the last 8 years, as a ASN Assistant and developed the schools military programme, which supports children mental health and wellbeing throughout parental deployment and other aspects of military life. Lucy is passionate about children’s rights and encouraging military dependants to share their unique experiences.

Darren leads our fundraising efforts, bringing over a decade of experience securing significant donations and contracts across a range of income streams. He has held senior roles and led high-performing teams at local and national charities. A passionate advocate for equality of opportunity, Darren’s outlook has been shaped by personal experiences and volunteering. Previously, he qualified as a high school history teacher and has held a variety of people-focused roles, including civil servant, bookseller, and bar manager. Darren also serves as a trustee for Beyond Boundaries and as an Executive Committee Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Scotland, where he mentors fundraisers.

Ethel studied English Literature and Language at university and believes strongly in the power of communication to effect meaningful change. Previously, she served as Marketing and Communications Officer and Team Leader at TSI (Perth & Kinross), coordinating team efforts to strengthen their offer of support for local community organisations. Ethel holds an MSc in International Development and has worked at international charities in the UK and abroad before focusing on community-driven work in Scotland. She has worked with children and young people in paid and volunteering roles and is keen to elevate the voices of children and young people from armed forces families in her work.

James supports the Marketing and Communications team's work through website content development and analysis, video production and online marketing. He brings 20 years of experience working in the digital space for public, private and third-sector organisations across the globe. He has an MSc in Multimedia & Interactive Systems and supported the promotion of the Armed Forces Covenant work at Edinburgh Napier University in a previous role.

Chloe brings considerable knowledge, skills and experience across a broad spectrum of financial control, database, human resources and operational disciplines. Having gained management and administration qualifications, Chloe has worked within retail, hospitality and tourism sectors. Earlier in her career, Chloe coached children in sports such as tennis and skiing, who is passionate in supporting children and young people to realise potential and thrive in confidence.