Carolyn Sawers, Chief Executive
email: carolyn@corra.scot
I deliver Corra Foundation’s strategy, supporting the team to ensure we are making a difference for people and communities in Scotland. I have worked for 20 years across political, academic and public sectors in Scotland. Most of that time has been with organisations awarding grants to community and voluntary groups - a privilege and joy. Corra Foundation is an inspiring place to be. It is a place where good ideas can develop, grow and take flight.
Fiona Duncan, Strategic Director
email: fiona@corra.scot
In 2022, I became Strategic Director, part-time. My focus now is on how innovation in funding approaches can support Corra’s bold ten-year strategy. I joined the foundation in 2013 with almost 20 years’ voluntary sector experience and became Chief Executive a year later. In 2017, Scotland’s First Minister asked me to Chair the Independent Care Review and since 2020 I have been involved in its implementation. In September 2022, after almost a decade, I stepped back from being Corra’s Chief Executive in order to take on a Ministerial Appointment of Independent Strategic Advisor to #KeepThePromise.
Click on the tabs below to find out more about the team
Trustees
Luke McCullough, Chair
Email: chair@corra.scot
Luke McCullough became a trustee with Corra Foundation in August 2015 and chairs the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. Luke is BBC Scotland’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy. Luke has held a number of previous appointments, including Trustee of Northsound Cash for Kids and as patron of the Kincardine and Mearns Special Needs Play Forum. He recently stepped down as Chair of the Royal High School Parent Council. Luke is married with university-aged children, and lives in Edinburgh.
Jude Turbyne, Deputy Chair
Email: deputychair@corra.scot
Jude Turbyne became a trustee in 2018. Most of her professional life was spent working in the charity sector, primarily international development. For much of that time she worked in Latin America and the Caribbean with Christian Aid, ultimately managing at regional level. She returned to Scotland to become Head of Engagement with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) before joining Children in Scotland as CEO. Judith has studied in Edinburgh and Bath, culminating in a PhD looking at empowerment in development.
Andrew Herberts
After a spending his early career with the British Army, Andrew worked in the investment management industry for well over 20 years, latterly in senior management and Board roles. He is also involved with ECAS, a charity focused on supporting people with disabilities, and chairs the Officers' Association Scotland, which provides ex officers of HM Forces welfare and support for the transition out of military life. Andrew is also a trustee of the King's Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Association which among other things provides welfare support to veterans of that historic Scottish Infantry Regiment.
Christine Mclaughlin
Christine's career is in public finance, most recently as Director of Finance for Health in Scottish Government, where she was responsible for delivering value for the £14 billion annual budget. She has also held a number of senior finance roles within NHS Scotland and in UK management consultancy. Christine is a member of the Chartered Institute for Public Finance & Accountancy and is also a Carnegie UK Trustee.
Claire Gibson
Claire became a trustee in 2016. Her career was built in social work, working with and for those most excluded and disadvantaged. She has fifteen years’ experience delivering and leading work aimed at supporting those multiply excluded. She was previously the Chief Executive of homeless charity Streetwork, which delivers specialist support to people facing severe and multiple deprivation. Claire is a graduate of The Robert Gordon University, The University of Edinburgh and the Open University.
David Johnson
David became a trustee in 2016. In 2011 David joined the Scottish Government as National Coordinator for Sexual Health and HIV. As the policy lead in this area he was able to continue influencing the way HIV is perceived in Scotland and how those living with the disease are treated. He stood down from this in September 2015. David is Chair of the adoption panel of St Andrew’s Children’s Society and previously was Chair of Children's Parliament.
Nosheen Ahmed
Nosheen is passionate about working with diverse communities, fostering, and sustaining partnership working through a holistic, participatory, and inclusive approach. She has accumulated a varied, transferable skill set through 15 years of experience in community development, project management and marketing campaigns for various charities and third sector organisations including: Women’s Aid, Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre, Mental Health Foundation and John Smith’s Centre, where she developed and delivered their inaugural Minority Ethnic Emerging Leaders Programme.
Nosheen has a BA (Hons) degree in Business Economics and Marketing Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management. Nosheen is also a freelance photographer and enjoys doing this in her spare time.
Joy Barlow, MBE
Joy became a trustee in 2014 and was appointed Chair of the PDI Steering Group in 2016. Currently Joy is advising the Health Service Executive (Social Inclusion) and Child and Family Agency (TuSLA) of the Irish Government on work-force development and the progress of the ‘Hidden Harm’ agenda, supporting children and families affected by substance use. She holds an Honorary Senior Research Fellowship at Glasgow Caledonian University and was awarded an MBE in 1998.
Fiona Sandford
Fiona became a trustee in 2015 and sits on the Audit Committee. She is currently Chief Executive of Visionary which is a membership organisation for local sight loss charities across the UK. Fiona has held several senior posts in the third sector for over 25 years. Currently she is a trustee of Blindcraft and has been a trustee of Scottish Council on Visual Impairment. She is a graduate of the Open University with an MBA.
Michaela Collins, MBE
Michaela is Chief Executive of Peek (Possibilities for each and every child) and has over 13 years’ experience in developing, leading and managing community projects with children, young people and families impacted by poverty in Glasgow. Michaela was a UNICEF Flying Scot Ambassador during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and helped to raise over £6million for UNICEF UK. Michaela was recognised as one of YWCA Scotland’s 2019 ‘30 under 30’ - http://www.ywcascotland.org/30-under-30-michaela-collins/
Mildred Zimunya
Mildred Zimunya is head of operations with CBMUK, working with disabled people in areas of poverty across the world. Mildred brings with her a wealth of experience in working in leadership roles within the Third sector and health and social care. Mildred brings with her vast experience in working alongside marginalised and minority ethnic communities. Mildred is a member of various groups including Scottish Alliance for International Development and Gender Institute Research Advisory Group.
Richard Martin
Richard has enjoyed a long career in managing pension funds, investment trusts and unit trusts. He also managed a family office for several years and was a director of several investment trusts as well as convenor of the Investment Committee of the National Trust for Scotland. Now semi-retired he advises two family groups and is a member of the Kilfinan Group which provides mentors for the heads of charities. He is a trustee of the Saltire Society Trust and the Peregrine Ardnamurchan Charity Trust.
All Staff
- Corporate Services
- Finance
- Policy and Communications
- Grants Team
- Learning and Development
- People in Place
The team supports the wider Corra teams in key corporate compliance, as well as providing training, improving systems and processes.
Karen Brown, Head of Corporate Services
My varied role has led me to develop a broad range of skills including; governance; management, administration, facilities and events; HR; IT and database development; and change management. I love the variety of my job, and that of Corra’s continued evolution. It’s a privilege to work in the voluntary sector, and to see the direct benefit that our work brings.
Aileen Drummond, Corporate Services Officer (ICT & Facilities)
I help make sure the foundation runs smoothly and that our systems support us in making a difference to lives in Scotland. I have over 20 years’ experience working in the voluntary sector as part of the foundation and have expertise across all aspects of administration, including: communications with stakeholders; office management; and database development. I have developed a rich knowledge of the voluntary sector and of the organisations we work with and support.
Seonaid Tennent, Corporate Services Officer (GDPR)
I provide key corporate office support across the whole of Corra, with a specific focus on the delivery of GDPR compliance and effective records management. Corra is a very rewarding organisation to work for and I enjoy being part of a dedicated team that is driving positive change in peoples lives.
Hana Graham, Systems & Database Support
I've worked in the charity and public sector for over 10 years, initially working as a Support Worker in community-based services, before moving into administrative roles. At Corra, I maintain and update the data management systems to ensure that they can support all of Corra’s work. I live in an area of Glasgow where people often experience isolation and stigma associated with poverty, and I value the importance of community and connection. Outside of work, I like Freddie Mercury, making zines and befriending everyone’s dogs.
Samantha Wotherspoon, Systems & Database Officer
I help to ensure that Corra’s data management systems are maintained and updated accurately and efficiently. I enjoy helping others, encouraging skill-sharing, and finding the best ways to work as a team to achieve our outcomes. I am a champion of making data management friendly for a diverse range of individuals with different learning styles. I am passionate about effecting positive change in people and communities and enthusiastic about how effective data management plays an important role in this.
Lindsay Macpherson, HR Project Manager
My role is to provide HR support across the organisation. I have worked in HR for over 30 years, gaining a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in both the public and third sector. I feel very privileged to work for Corra Foundation as the organisation’s mission and values are close to my heart. To know that I am contributing by supporting our teams, in helping people and communities across Scotland makes me very proud.
The Finance Team looks after the day to day running of Corra’s finances, as well as implementing Corra’s long term finance strategy, to ensure we have the resources we need to deliver our charitable objectives.
Caroline Evens, Finance Officer (Financial Accounting)
My role at Corra is to take care of the money coming in and going out of the organisation, keeping it tidy and shipshape, so every colleague who needs financial information has it at their fingertips. I have previously worked in similar roles, nearly all in the voluntary sector, though this is the first time working for a grant-giving body. The positivity of Corra’s vision and mission is inspiring, and I am glad to be part of the team working towards these goals.
Meilan Whiteley, Finance Officer (Management & Project Accounting)
Having worked in different business sectors in both China and UK, I obtained a broad knowledge and work experience in accounting, marketing, management and administration. I joined Corra in March 2021 and my role is that of Management & Project Accounting. I support our Programme/Grants Team to utilise and distribute resources efficiently and effectively to fulfil Corra's long term strategy. I love what Corra is striving to achieve - to encourage people to make positive change for a better life and to make a difference for a better community. I like working with Corra-ians and I am privileged to be one of them.
Judith Crichton, Head of Finance
email: judith.crichton@corra.scot
I am Head of Finance for Corra, so work alongside the management team & chief executive to provide the best long term financial strategy we can, ultimately, delivering the financial support & service needed to communities across Scotland. We have a small & dedicated finance team who continually strive to make our financial support the best it can be.
Gamal Haddou, Finance Manager
My role includes overseeing the finances for Corra to make sure audit and controls are strong and that grant income we receive is appropriately paid out in the most efficient, economic and effective way. Together as a team we forecast and plan ahead plus ensure the Trustees, stakeholders and staff receive high quality reports, policies and information. As a qualified accountant it is rewarding to see the best of both worlds of commercial practices with improving society in a charity setting and helping to make a difference to peoples lives.
We make sure that people know about our work and that Corra Foundation has a strong, positive profile.
Katrina Eves, Communications Support Assistant
I support the Policy and Communications team with day-to-day administrative and communications tasks, including helping to promote and produce events, blogs, news releases, social media content, and newsletters. My role also includes the support of Corra’s website champions, where I assist staff with web development and updates. I have a passion for Scotland and its people, and so I love being a part of Corra which holds both at the heart of its work!
Julie Aitken, Policy and Communications Manager
The role of Policy and Communications manager is a varied one. In an average day, it can include anything from preparing a consultation response to a proposed bill right through to selecting just the right GIF to accompany a tweet. I’m driven by two things I’d like to see society get better at – the first is sharing data in engaging ways, and the second is in increasing genuine participation in civic society. My role at Corra allows me to do a bit of both every day.
Shasta Ali, DEI and Engagement Officer
I support our diversity, equity and inclusion work as well as leading on the community stories at Corra. I have 18 years experience in the Third sector and have worked in race equality and addressing hate crime at a national and strategic level. I have a background in community development, especially working alongside Ethnic Minority communities. I am inspired by Corra's commitment to strengthening people’s voices and shifting power to communities to address inequalities and create positive change.
Shelley Gray, Head of Policy and Communications
I support our engagement, ranging from individuals to organisations. My background is in policy and strategic development; communication and engagement, including creative approaches; and partnership working. I have over a decade of experience in the voluntary sector, and I’ve worked closely with Scottish Government on several pieces of legislation and until recently chaired the SNAP Health and Social Care Action Group. I believe passionately in Corra’s message: that people are experts in their own lives.
The Grants Team design and deliver a broad range of funding programmes that focus on different areas of social justice.
Anne Gribbon, Grants Advisor
I recently joined Corra am part of the Community Grants Team. I’ve worked in the voluntary sector for over 10 years for a variety of organisations, mainly in finance roles. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with organisations across Scotland who are making positive changes in the community.
Catriona Henderson, Programme Lead
I manage Corra Foundation’s administration of the Scottish Government’s CYPFEIF and ALEC Funds. I am a Professional Member of the Association for Project Management (APM) and a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR). I also hold a qualification in executive coaching and mentoring. Having worked at the foundation for over ten years it is still inspiring to see funding being used to make a positive difference.
Chrissie Hirst, Programme Manager
I work on Corra's grant-making related to human rights, anti-racism and global development. This involves supporting organisations during application, implementation and evaluation of funded projects, as well as learning and engagement in these areas. Externally, I participate as a member of the Policy Committee of Scotland's International Development Alliance and as co-convener of the Association of Charitable Foundations International Network. Internally, I am a member of Corra's Anti-Racism Working Group and our 'Green Team', helping to advance work on diversity and equity and responses to the climate crisis. I have a personal interest in migration and integration and volunteer as a board member of The Welcoming Association in Edinburgh. Before joining Corra in 2018, I worked mostly overseas in global development roles, ranging from voluntary and community-based work to programme and policy posts with international NGO's and the United Nations. I value Corra's ethos of partnerships and prioritising communities, it's exciting to bring my experience to this role.
Christine Kennedy, Grants Support Co-ordinator
I am part of the CYPFEIF & ALEC Fund team. I provide support to 116 community-based organisations receiving funding, assisting with reporting, finances and coordinating a programme to build capacity. I am new to the Voluntary sector having previously worked in the private arena, however I frequently worked alongside third sector organisations creating powerful partnerships. I am delighted to be working with Corra, contributing in their mission to make positive change for people and communities.
Connie Williamson, Grants Advisor
I have been working with Corra for over 20 years, spending time as an assessor, a grants manager and latterly as a member of the senior management team. I now work part time as a Grant Advisor and really enjoy being involved in assessing and supporting charities which deliver a vast range of interesting and vital services for our communities. After 20 years, I am still constantly inspired by the dedication of the people who work in the Scottish voluntary sector.
David Cameron, Grants Advisor
I joined Corra as a Grant Advisor in March 2021 and I’m part of the Partnership Drug Initiative and Wellbeing Team. I have over 20 years experience of working across Scotland’s Third Sector, in the fields of HIV, Hepatitis C and Sexual Health, Advocacy, and Mental Health, both as an operational Senior Manager and in Income Generation. I feel passionate about individuals and communities and that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to live well and flourish.
Debbie Kaney, Grants Advisor
My job is to support organisations applying for grants: helping them explore their goals, their plans, and understanding their impact. I have extensive voluntary sector experience, including as a trustee and chair of a small organisation. I love meeting people, finding out what communities are doing and helping to make new connections. I am inspired by people getting together to do something good, and often discovering and developing new skills along the way.
Dee Gildea, Programme Manager
Fiona McIntosh, Grants Support Worker
My role is to provide admin and data management support to The Promise Partnership and other funds within Corra. I have 30 years experience working in the public sector and have enjoyed the variety of the roles throughout that time.
Garry Donegan, Grants Advisor
My role is to listen to and support organisations funded through the CYPFEIF & ALEC, working as part of the Corra team to plan and deliver a wider programme of capacity building, learning and engagement events for funded organisations. An experienced fundraiser and business development professional, with an MSc in Social Enterprise, I am passionate about Scotland’s committed, dynamic and diverse Third Sector in all its forms. My biggest joys in life are my two sons, my partner and the time spent playing on the floor or in the woods.”
Iain Rorke, Grants Advisor
My job is to work with charities funded through the CYPFEIF & ALEC Funds while developing a programme for building long term capacity in the organisations we work with. I have extensive third sector experience, working as; a grant seeker, grants advisor and grant programme manager for various organisations. I am motivated by the Corra’s positive and forward-looking ambition to be an excellent grant maker that collaborates with others to get the programme right.
Jane Rosegrant, Grants Development Lead
My role is to help develop #ShiftthePower Scotland, especially supporting applicants and grant holders to make the most of this new programme. I bring to this work long experience of being both a grant seeker and a grant maker and managing social, education and environment projects. Corra’s approach excites me for the open-minded way the grant process is developed and I am delighted to work with diverse community groups across Scotland to support their projects.
John Hamilton, Programme Manager
I’m one of the two Drugs and Alcohol Specialists working in the Wellbeing Team. I have specific responsibility for the Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI), Children and Families Fund, and Supporting Birth Parents whose child(ren) have been permanently removed from their care. I provide guidance and support to Grant Advisors within the team. In addition to grant management experience I worked for a long time in statutory and third sector services supporting people who use alcohol and drugs.
Kelly McFadden, Programme Manager
Children, young people and families are important to me therefore it is a privilege to manage The Promise Partnership and The Listening Fund. Both funds recognise the importance of listening and collaborating with those who the services are aimed to support. I have over 15 years experience in the voluntary sector, working with drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and criminal justice. Working at Corra is a real pleasure, we are an organisation who understands the importance of challenging power imbalance and encouraging positive change.
Lawrence Bicheno, Grants Advisor
I joined Corra team in October 2021 and have joined the Partnership Drugs Initiative, reviewing applications to the Local Support and Improvement Fund. I have worked as a Fundraiser since 2019 and I am enjoying seeing fundraising from the grant making side. Working alongside, helping and learning from the many organisations that Corra support has been very rewarding so far and I feel incredibly privileged to be able to lend my skills to such important causes.
Lindsay Brown, Programme Manager
I recently joined Corra as the Families and Early Intervention Specialist managing the Scottish Government’s CYPFEIF & ALEC Fund. I have worked in the third sector for 10 years and have held a variety of grant making roles in this time. I’m passionate about supporting people and organisations to thrive and I am excited to be a part of Corra’s grants team to support really valuable work being delivered within the sector.
Malcolm Dunn, Grants Advisor
I support third sector organisations funded through the CYPFEIF and ALEC Funds, building relationships with and supporting organisations. I have skills in fundraising, marketing and project development and significant grant making experience from the public sector and BBC Children in Need. I have worked as a community development officer for 6 years. I have been fortunate enough to work with many inspirational individuals and organisations. I am particularly motivated to address inequality and collaborative working.
Maren Thompson, Grants Support Co-ordinator
I coordinate a range of activities and support our grantees across Scotland. My current focus is on the Drugs Mission Funds where I lead on our Learning Network and engage a Lived Experience Panel who help us decide which organisations to fund. I’ve previously worked in the CYPFEIF & ALEC and International teams. I have worked in the third sector for over ten years for Oxfam and Transparency International, and have delivered a range of social development projects. I am a Trustee for the Nepal Education Foundation. I am proud that Corra is working to shift power dynamics and foster positive change.
Matthew Gilbert-Straw, Programme Manager
I am responsible for the Challenge Fund and am part of the PDI team. This involves providing guidance, reviewing applications, and working with successful applicants to capture the value of their work. My role has given me the opportunity to see the development of innovative projects all across Scotland. Qualified in Community Education, I have over 16 years’ experience of working in the third sector, primarily with individuals and families affected by drugs including alcohol.
Natalia Lewandowska, Grants Advisor
I work primarily on Drugs Services Funds, helping organisations make an impact on the most pressing challenges in our society. I came to Corra with wide experience across the third sector, community and arts. After graduating in law, I moved to Scotland and shifted my career into fundraising, working with third sector organisations and major cultural institutions. I currently sit on the board of Craft Scotland, where I’m part of the equality & diversity committee. I’m inspired by Corra’s commitment to driving and supporting social change, and proud to be a part of that constant mission.
Rosalind Becroft, Grants Advisor
I joined Corra in October 2021 to provide support support across Corra’s suite of drugs services funds. Having begun my career in arts marketing and admin, I transitioned to grant administration in 2013 and have since enjoyed seeing the depth and breadth of projects happening across Scotland. I'm delighted to be a part of Corra's relational approach to grantmaking and look forward to learning more about the projects being supported.
Rowan Anderson, Programme Lead
I manage the Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI), working closely with colleagues at the Scottish Government and beyond. I also represent the foundation in a number of national groups. My experience is varied, ranging from strategy development to qualitative research. I have also managed public health programmes. I have had the privilege of working closely with inspiring, dedicated community representatives and believe strongly that lived experience and community voices should be central to policy and practice.
Shaunagh Jones, Grants Advisor
I’m a Grants Advisor in the Wellbeing team and I work on the Children and Families Fund, and Supporting Birth Parents Whose Child(ren) Have Been Permanently Removed From Their Care. I provide guidance and support, assess applications, and manage grants. Outside of work, I volunteer on a national helpline supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
Tom Baughan, Head of Grants
I lead Corra Foundation’s Grants Team to deliver a range of funding programmes that focus on areas of social justice. Prior to Corra, I worked in fundraising, generating revenue income and managing capital campaigns for charities spanning health, disability, education and the arts. I hold an MSc in Grant-making, Philanthropy and Social Investment from Bayes Business School, an MA in Linguistics and Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh, as well as qualifications in Charity Finance (ICAEW), Fundraising Management (IoF) and Charity Management (ICSA).
Veronica Hetherington, Grants Advisor
I’ve recently joined Corra as part of the PDI team. I have over 20 years experience working in the voluntary and public sector, mainly for grant giving organisations. I’ve met some wonderful and dedicated people in that time and seen a lot of positive change. I’m passionate about fairness, equality and tackling disadvantage so people and communities have equal chances in life, and I’m looking forward to supporting organisations to help make that happen.
Learning and Development helps the organisation and our partners understand the differences and impacts our funding and delivery of our programmes has for people, communities and groups across Scotland.
Elaine Wilson, Head of Learning & Development
I work closely with colleagues to collate knowledge and evidence, letting us learn from our past work and contribute more in the future. I also oversee the development and training programme for all of our staff. I have strong analytical skills and can look outside the box, developing supportive approaches to monitoring and evaluation. The people I meet every day inspire me in their commitment to new and innovative ways of working.
Melina Maiworm, Evaluation & Learning Officer
At Corra, I help to collect, collate and analyse data and evidence to allow us to better understand the impact of our funding and programmes with a focus on listening to the people, communities and organisations we support in order to shape and inform our work. I have a background in community education, and a key belief that underpins all my work is to actively listen to people and communities to understand their experiences and needs.
Through People in Place we are Getting Alongside Communities that traditional grant funding has struggled to reach; working in places with an Appetite for Change; and sharing our learning to help create an enabling policy framework to enhance place-based working.
Allan Farmer, Head of Place
I lead the development and delivery of the People in Place programme. I have over 15 years’ experience within the third sector, working to support community-led change. Prior to joining Corra I held positions such as the Director of WHALE Arts the cultural anchor organisation for Wester Hailes in Edinburgh. I am inspired by my amazing colleagues and by Corra’s ambition and commitment to innovation and systemic change.
Angela Smith, Community Co-ordinator
My role is to work with communities that grant makers traditionally don’t reach by supporting the community of Langlees, Falkirk. I do this by supporting the community to identify assets and build links with partners. Supporting areas where confidence is a barrier is my starting point in mapping out the community needs and aspirations. I believe you must work with communities on a grassroots level for any valuable change to happen.
Cath McNally, Programme Officer & Promise Partnership Participations & Connections Officer
My role is to work with communities that grant making traditionally doesn’t reach. I work with the residents within Fernhill to build capacity and support them to create and shape the community in which they live.
Emily Wallace, National Programme Manager
I manage the Appetite for Change programme. Before I joined Corra I managed independent advocacy services for people affected by the Mental Health Act in Glasgow and Lanarkshire. I’ve worked with a wide range of community groups and organisations. Most recently I was Country Manager in Scotland for Eden Project Communities. I’m inspired by systems change and collective impact. I believe working at Corra Foundation gives me real opportunities to put these ideas to work.
Fraser Stone, Community Co-ordinator
My role is to support the community of Cumnock in East Ayrshire. Through this work I help facilitate positive change by supporting community-led ideas. I will work alongside the community, encouraging and building upon their strengths and aspirations.
I have a background as a musician and educator and currently lecture at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Previously a project manager, I have worked with organisations, developing and delivering creative programmes to improve outcomes for groups experiencing disadvantage.
Gordon McLean, National Programme Manager (Getting Alongside Communities)
I support Getting Alongside Communities, ensuring it is on track and adequately resourced. My background is in Community Learning and Development, providing a range of informal learning opportunities and supporting individuals. I have been responsible for the operation of community centres, libraries and led community planning. I’m passionate about effective partnerships placing individuals and communities at the centre of services and resources. Corra is a company which shares my values and commitment to positive change.
Janice O’Connor, Community Co-ordinator
My role is to support the community of Castlehill in West Dunbartonshire. I identify assets and help build their confidence. My background is Community Learning and Development Youth Services. I have worked with young people and communities for over 15 years in settings such as The Princes Trust, Youth Action, and inter-generation work. We need to listen to the local community and what they would like to change and achieve. Corra aims to achieve that.
Laura Mathieson, Community Co-ordinator (currently on maternity leave)
I work alongside members of the community in Dunterlie, Barrhead in East Renfrewshire. My background is in community development. For the last five years, I have supported community-led initiatives exploring sectarianism, hate crime and discrimination in Inverclyde. I am an experienced facilitator of experiential learning, supporting personal and life-skills development. I am inspired by Corra Foundation’s commitment to place-based innovation, providing the time and flexibility to build relationships and engage with people in communities.
Louisa Cocris, Community Co-ordinator
I joined Corra in July 2017 as Community Co-ordinator in Buckhaven Fife. Previously I had been working for local authority in Neighbourhoods and Communities and prior to this have enjoyed various roles in the community development both here in Scotland and in Eastern Europe. away from Corra, I am proud to be a registered Marngalitza pig producer and mother to three wonderful young adults who in these strange times, i have been lucky to be sharing a workspace with.
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Louise Shaw, Community Co-ordinator
My role is to support the Blacklands community in Kilwinning. My background includes Community Health, Community Development using an Asset Based Approach, working specifically with Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities. I joined Corra as I believe we share principles of giving everyone the opportunity to make a positive change. My role allows me to engage with groups and individuals who are often ignored and to contribute to them having a voice in their community.
Marion Thomson, Community Co-ordinator
I work to support, co-build and engage with Methil communities by continually learning from the rich history and legacy of community engagement and leadership within the area. My past experience involved education and program development with communities, social housing, schools, community organisations and unions in Scotland and overseas.
I joined Corra as I believe in their underlying values to work alongside communities impacted by austerity and social inequality.
Neill Patton, Community Co-ordinator (maternity cover)
Rebecca Frew, Research and Support Officer - Participatory Scotland
At Corra I work as part of the People in Place team to provide support to the 'co-design' phase of Participatory Scotland, helping to develop an understanding of the approach and support various stakeholder groups need to engage with and contribute to the process
Shazia Riaz, Community Co-ordinator
I work with the people of Carbrain, North Lanarkshire, to facilitate social change through removing barriers and supporting local people. My background encompasses university research socio-economic status; working with statutory and voluntary organisations, working with mental health services and working with black and ethnic minority communities. I was inspired to join the Corra Foundation because I am passionate about the importance of community led initiatives to address inequalities and improve the quality of life.
