Governance
Our Board members are instrumental in setting our strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and safeguarding our financial health.
Discover how their leadership and commitment drive our mission to support the community and make a meaningful impact every day.
On this page
Aberdeen Cyrenians is a registered Scottish charity (OSCR No: SC014849) and a charitable company (No: SCO70903). Our Directors act as both trustees and company directors.
Our Board is made up of dedicated professionals who volunteer their time to help us achieve our mission. They are responsible for:
- Overseeing the Chief Executive’s performance
- Setting strategic direction with the Leadership Team
- Ensuring robust governance and legal compliance
- Managing the charity’s finances
We also have two sub-committees:
- Finance and Investment: Reviews our finances and advises on investment decisions.
- Regulatory and Compliance: Oversees policy, compliance, and regulatory matters.
Both sub-committees include Board Members and Leadership Team members. The Board meets monthly (except in June and December) and all roles are voluntary.
Board Members
Alastair Bisset – Chairperson
Joined in 2019. An oil and gas professional involved in community initiatives since 2009, Alastair leads our Finance and Investment sub-committee.
Bruce Bricknell – Board Member
With over 30 years in the oil and gas industry, Bruce joined in 2017. He has served as Vice-Chair (2019–2021) and Chair (2021–2023) and is a key member of the Finance and Investment sub-committee.
Lachlan Bursle – Board Member
Joining in 2022, Lachlan is an investment and finance expert from Australia, now based in Aberdeenshire, and serves on the Finance and Investment sub-committee.
Julie Thomson – Board Member
A Chartered Accountant and CFO of Aberdein Considine & Co., Julie joined in 2023 and contributes to the Finance and Investment sub-committee.
Caroline Hood – Board Member
Re-joined in 2023, Caroline is a Sociology Lecturer at Robert Gordon University and sits on the Regulatory and Compliance sub-committee.
Fiona Lindsay – Board Member
Also re-joined in 2023, Fiona brings extensive experience in strategic communications as the Managing Director of Lindsay Communications and serves on the Regulatory and Compliance sub-committee.
Dean McGlynn – Board Member
Joining in 2024, Dean’s background in social housing and his role as Communities Network Lead for HACT enrich our Regulatory and Compliance sub-committee.
Join our Board
If you share our values and want to make a difference, we welcome your interest in joining our volunteer Board - especially if you have extensive experience in social care, social work, or lived experience. We value diversity and believe our Board and team should reflect the community we serve. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and BAME communities
To be eligible to join our Board you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- not previously have been removed as a trustee, or as a charity officer, agent or employee, by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (“OSCR”) or the High Court due to misconduct or mismanagement
- be able to hold the position of Company Director and not previously have been disqualified
- be of good financial standing and have no issues that would prevent you from becoming a Company Director, such as undischarged bankruptcy
- provide us with two references and satisfactorily complete an enhanced PVG check
- be of good character and work with and share our values.
Due to the sensitive nature of our work, all candidates undergo background and reference checks. More information is available on the OSCR website.
Recruitment process
- Enquiry: Submit an informal enquiry using our contact form with your CV and a brief cover letter (maximum one A4 page) explaining why you want to join and what you offer.
- Meeting: If shortlisted, a member of our Corporate Services team will invite you for an informal meeting with our Chief Executive or a Board Director.
- Observation: You may then be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer.
- Appointment: If all goes well, you’ll be formally appointed as a Board Member (initial term: three years, with reappointment every three years).
If you would like to be considered for a role on our Board please contact us.
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