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Trustee Nominations

AGM 2026

Candidate Statements

Individual Category

I seek re-election to the Board of Trustees because my values and experience continue to be very closely aligned with Scottish Fair Trade’s mission, which is challenging inequalities in climate, global trade, and society, and sustaining our status as a Fair Trade Nation. Over my first term, I have been one of the most active trustees, dedicating significant time and personal resources to be able to thrive in this voluntary role, and I want to build on this momentum.

 
This past year, I designed and facilitated the “Wear the Change” ethical supply chains workshop for young people in Glasgow, unpacking conventional supply chains, Fair Trade principles, and climate injustice for the next generation of advocates. I supported recruitment for our new Youth Coordinator post, shortlisting and evaluating candidates to strengthen our team’s capacity. Working closely with Louise, I researched and organised the Scottish Government-aligned Gender Training for our board and staff, helping embed equity commitments into governance practice. I also represented SFT on a NatWest panel organised by Scotland’s International Development Alliance, building relationships with the private sector and partner NGOs to raise our profile beyond the Fair Trade community. This December, I will furthermore chair the SFT session at Scotland’s first Human Rights Festival,
further extending our reach into the human rights sector.

 
My professional background is in human rights, social sustainability, and finance – including an LL.M. in Human Rights from University of Edinburgh and prior experience as a Wall Street investment banking analyst. This solid professional background continues to reinforce my contributions in fiduciary oversight, risk management, and strategic partnerships. I remain committed to translating standards into practice, strengthening accountability, and growing Fair Trade’s impact across Scotland.

I wish to be considered to continue representing the individual membership on the Board of Trustees of Scottish Fair Trade. Having served on the Board over the past year, I have valued the opportunity to contribute to its work and would welcome the chance to build on the progress we have made together.

My commitment to fair trade began after travelling through South East Asia, where I saw first-hand the stark disparity between the prices paid to local artisans for handcrafted goods and the prices those same products commanded in high street boutiques. That experience reinforced my belief that consumers want to make ethical choices when they are given accessible and affordable opportunities to do so. Scottish Fair Trade has an important role to play in influencing both business and consumer behaviour, particularly as households continue to face cost pressures.

As a qualified Management Accountant (FCMA, CGMA) with nearly a decade of experience in finance, governance and risk management across more than a dozen countries, I bring a perspective that complements the Board’s work. In my role at Diageo, I have partnered with senior leadership teams to strengthen governance, manage risk, and align commercial strategy with sustainability and long-term value creation.

Over the past year on the Board, I have enjoyed working collaboratively with fellow trustees and supporting the organisation through an evolving funding and operating environment. If re-elected, I will continue to bring my financial expertise, governance experience and collaborative approach to help strengthen the organisation, expand its partnerships and champion Scotland’s commitment as a Fair Trade Nation.

At a time when the charity sector continues to face financial pressures and uncertainty in global funding, I believe strong governance, sound financial stewardship and a clear strategic focus remain essential. I would be pleased to continue contributing these skills in support of Scottish Fair Trade’s mission.

Small Organisations and Groups Category

I have served on the board for the past year, looking to bring a different perspective with my background.

I am passionate about the importance of Fair Trade in creating a more equitable world. I want to see the great work being carried out by Scottish Fair Trade to be amplified, and supported, as much as possible. I currently work part-time in the charity sector as Campaigns, Communication and Events Coordinator for Justice & Peace Scotland, a Catholic Commission of the Bishops’ Conference in Scotland. In that role, I promote the inalienable dignity, rights and value of all human beings and the work that they do, and consider this very much aligns with the values of Scottish Fair Trade. I pride myself on working collegiately and with openness and I believe these are attributes that can be utilised effectively in the role.

Medium Organisations Category

There is no-one standing in the Medium Organisations Category.

Large Organisations Category

I am seeking election to represent the Large Organisation category on the Board of Trustees because I am committed to Fair Trade as a practical way to support social justice, sustainability and stronger global connections. I bring enthusiasm, integrity and a strong belief in the value of local action in driving wider change.

Through my role in a large public organisation and my voluntary involvement in Fair Trade activity in Aberdeen, I have developed experience of partnership working, community engagement and helping translate sustainability commitments into practical action. I regularly collaborate with community groups, schools, businesses, voluntary organisations and public sector partners to build relationships, share knowledge and turn shared ambitions into meaningful action.

I believe I can bring valuable local insight to the Board, including an understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by Fair Trade groups, communities and larger organisations across Scotland. My experience of supporting campaigns, organising events, engaging volunteers and promoting ethical choices has shown me the importance of working collectively to embed Fair Trade principles in everyday decisions. I am particularly passionate about widening participation, strengthening Fair Trade activity in Aberdeen City, and building constructive links with smaller groups across Aberdeenshire to help the movement reach new audiences.

As a Trustee, I would contribute energy, commitment and a constructive, partnership-focused approach. I am eager to support the continued development of the organisation, strengthen connections across the Fair Trade movement and help ensure it remains inclusive, relevant and impactful for the future.