We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Convenor to our Board. Diarmaid Lawlor, an Associate Director at Scottish Futures Trust, has stepped in to the voluntary role, leading on governance for EVOC.
Diarmaid is a designer, educator, and communicator. He has a multidisciplinary background, and over 20 years’ experience working across sectors in the UK and Europe. He champions collaborative approaches to making better places to live well locally. On taking up the role Diarmaid commented:
“It is a huge privilege to be invited to be the Convenor of EVOC. I commit to work with voluntary and community organisations, the Third Sector, with communities, city and government partners across Edinburgh to make this city a fairer, better, place for everyone to thrive. And in this ambition, the EVOC board, staff, and myself want to ensure the Community and Third Sector itself in Edinburgh is an equal partner, shaping collaborative and sustainable structures to support community led futures.
These are changing and challenging times. Tough times need great relationships. They also need a relentless focus on the activities that will make the most difference to communities, now and for the future.
A number of years ago, I was delighted to Chair ‘Mind the Craic’, a conversation with city communities on prevention and early intervention. People and communities spoke honestly about their experiences, what works and what’s needed. They said communities need a ‘safe base, voices heard, meaningful relationships and real choices.’ We want to build on that clarity, so people’s voices to sit at the heart of a new Strategic Plan for EVOC.”
In response to Diarmaid’s appointment Bridie Ashrowan EVOC’s Chief Executive said:
“We are delighted to welcome Diarmaid into the role of Convenor for the Board at EVOC. At a time when both the people and communities in Edinburgh, and the community and voluntary sector organisations who support them, are facing some really big challenges, Diarmaid’s experience and commitment to cross-sector collaborations will have a hugely positive impact. Over the year ahead, we aim to co-design an ambitious strategy for EVOC.”
