We are announcing a strategic review that puts a renewed commitment to supporting the community and voluntary sector in Edinburgh at its heart. The ongoing cost of living crisis is hitting groups and organisations hard and this is a chance to refocus on creating a strong sector for a strong city.
An engagement programme will take place in the coming months, involving the sector in shaping a new EVOC strategy, and to ensure stakeholders are fully briefed on the changes.
After 3 years, Bridie Ashrowan has decided to step down as Chief Executive of EVOC to concentrate on research interests around nature-based learning and biodiversity recovery. In the meantime, two interims have been appointed to lead EVOC through this period of change – David Peace (Interim Chief Executive) and Claire Ritchie (Strategic Advisor to the Board). Bridie’s tenure at EVOC has brought many successes. She has been a strong advocate for investment in the community and voluntary sector, to support organisations through the ongoing cost crisis, and to strengthen sector capabilities to lead change.
Against a background of decreased funding and increased running costs, EVOC is focused on reducing costs and delivering a balanced budget for the year ahead. This will include an analysis of the current organisational structure.
EVOC Convenor, Diarmaid Lawlor said:
“Firstly, I would like to thank Bridie for her commitment, passion and advocacy for the voluntary sector during her tenure at EVOC and we wish her well in her next ventures.
“Our focus continues to be the wellbeing of the many community and voluntary organisations that play such a vital role in the city. We are working with partners and funders to make sure that remains our top priority throughout this strategic review.”
David Peace added:
“As Interim Chief Executive, I will be working with staff, Claire and the Board to refocus our efforts and ensure we continue to support voluntary and community groups in delivering core programmes and activities in the city.
“As a sector leader we remain focused on building a strong, sustainable and resilient future for our sector. I welcome engagement with the sector, partners and funders to help shape the way ahead collectively.”
David Peace has a 25-year track record in running, managing and owning projects and organisations in the private, public and third sectors, with a strong focus on governance, leadership, staff development and collaboration. He mentors rugby teams in the Scottish Borders, builds leadership around strong teams working collectively and is on the Board of The Time Stead Trust. David has negotiated community benefit for a number of communities on windfarm developments. He has Chaired a School Parent Council, a Local Development Trust and sat on the Regional Board of Borders College for 8 years.
Claire Ritchie worked in Financial Services for 20 years before making the transition to the voluntary sector. She has excellent commercial and business acumen acquired during her career in Financial Services as well as being an experienced leader, business planning expert and risk management. She used her extensive experience in her most recent role as Chief Operating Officer in a key charity in Edinburgh leading the development of their new strategic plan, as well as improving their financial sustainability. She is also Vice-Chair of an Edinburgh mental health charity. Across her career, Claire has acquired excellent experience on a range of HR matters through many years of leading various teams and departments through successful change and re-organisation.
Thanks to Bridie, we will miss you and wish you well in your new ventures. We look forward to working with the lovely EVOC team to develop and implement your new strategic focus.