Scotland committee members

"I’m proud to play a part in BIG becoming an intelligent funder – working in partnership, making a difference through what we fund, learning from experience and sharing the results"

Maureen is currently an advisor on social justice to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and is a former member of the steering group of the Partnership Drugs Initiative of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland. Her past grant making experience also includes running the Laidlaw Youth Trust which promoted partnership working between charities supporting children and vulnerable young people in Scotland.

Her earlier career included periods working for a charity, atrade union and in central and local government. Born and brought up in Perth, she attended Perth Academy and is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. Maureen lives in Edinburgh and is married to Sir John Elvidge and so, on occasions, is also known as Maureen, Lady Elvidge.

"I consider membership of the Scotland Committee to be a real privilege using innovative approaches to tackle disadvantage, bring improvements and helping to sustain communities right across Scotland"

He went on to become Chair of the Crofters’ Commission.

David is a former Convenor of the Cairngorms National Park Authority. He has had a strong involvement in rural community life for many years. David Green lives in Achiltibuie, Ross-shire.

"BIG makes huge differences to the daily lives of our communities and our people. Being part of making these positive changes makes me very, very proud"

Tim’s achievements include:

• Board director of Young Enterprise Scotland from 2003 to 2009
• Served as chair from 2006 to 2009 driving through new policy of working with young people from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds – including care and prison - to provide routes into employment in business.
• Supercoach at the University of Dundee Enterprise School
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)

"BIG provides major resources which assist many individuals and communities across Scotland. I have been so inspired by the ideas that come forward, the commitment of the volunteers, and the outstanding services which are delivered, on the ground, where it really matters"

Elizabeth's achievements include:

• establishing the Scottish Youth Investment Fund to help young people into business
• is a director of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust
• has experience of social inclusion and regeneration by chairing the Ferguslie Park Social Regeneration Company
• represented the business community on the Scottish Parliament’s Ethic Minority and Labour Market Working Group.

She lives in Gourock.

"Our work is a vital catalyst to making positive changes in communities. I have seen this in small villages and large towns and I know it makes a real difference"

Helen Forsyth was:

"BIG strives to make change, not just by making grants, but in the way it goes about its business: brokering partnerships and promoting collaboration. It's a breath of fresh air"

Lucy's achievements include:

• being a driving force behind recent developments in charity law and changes in public sector funding practice
• increasing links between Scotland and the international voluntary sector through bring the CIVICUS Assembly to Glasgow.
  
  She is based in Edinburgh.

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After nearly 10 years in the PR & Communications industry Hamira made a conscious decision to take her skills and experience to work with local communities on a range of issues, with a particular interest to inspire, motivate and help young people to achieve personal success. In November 2010, Hamira was named "One to Watch" at the Scottish Asian Business Awards.

Most recently, Hamira has successfully built the profile and reputation of the Scottish Youth Parliament as a credible go-to organisation for the voice and views of young people in Scotland. Hamira was appointed to the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, Equality Advisory Group in 2011. Her passion and interest are in leadership, strategy and to do what she can to ensure democracy reflects the community it serves. 

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John has worked in senior professional and managerial roles across varied fields including community development, education, social work, health and well-being and children's services, having worked in local government, new town development, higher education, the Third sector and private sector.

A significant part of John's career has involved managing change in human services as well as supporting the development of Third sector organisations, including as a chief executive. He is currently a Trustee of The Voluntary Action Fund and Board member of Perth College UHI. He is also a board member of his local CVS in Perth and Kinross and Voluntary Action Scotland.

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John recently retired as Director of Strengthening Communities at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, where he had responsibility for HIE’s work with social and community development, including community land ownership and the growth of social enterprises. 

He established HIE’s Community Land Unit and was involved in many high profile community buyouts.  He helped deliver the first Scottish Land Fund and BIG's Growing Community Assets programme.

John is currently a non-executive director of New Start Highland and High Life Highland, two social enterprises based in his in home town of Inverness.  He is also an advisor to the Scottish Government's Land Reform Review Group, and chairs the Scottish Land Fund committee.