Meet our team

I have been Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) since December 2007. During this time we have become the largest ILM Centre in Scotland and have shared our model internationally. We now have country teams in 6 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Scotland, South Africa and Sweden.

My early career was in the private sector where I set up and was MD of an IT Consultancy firm based in Brighton working with large corporate clients such as American Express, Pfizer and British Aerospace. On selling my stake in the business, I completed an MBA at Stirling University where I developed the idea for a social enterprise founded in 2004: Quit&Save was established to support people quit smoking using peer learning principles.

During this time, I have served on the boards of FirstPort, SVE, (my local Third Sector Interface in Stirling) and of Impact Arts – Scotland’s largest arts-based social enterprise. I recently chaired the group set up to create the Social Enterprise Strategy for Edinburgh. I currently serve on the boards of Social Enterprise Scotland and SEA Africa a joint venture based in Cape Town, which was established in partnership with a Pan-African Economic development company.

I joined the Academy in 2016, having previously worked in equality policy and organisational development in the education sector.

As Chief Operating Officer, I lead on key functions within the Academy including Finance, HR, Technology and Governance, ensuring the organisation continues to champion a culture in which our staff, facilitators and learners can thrive. I work across the entire business ensuring teams are able to deliver on our vision supported by people, processes and systems which enable us to work efficiently and innovatively.

Outside of the Academy I enjoy spending time outdoors walking and gardening, cooking, reading and spending time with my family.

With previous administration experience working for several other learning and development organisations, I joined the Academy in 2012 as a Learning Administrator.  HR has always been part of my role here and I held two other posts before becoming HR and Wellbeing Manager in 2020. 

As HR and Wellbeing Manager and part of our Operations Team, I lead the HR function, health and safety and the day-to-day management of our Edinburgh office.  As an HR Generalist, no two days are ever the same.  My main goal and what’s most important to me is to ensure that everyone feels the Academy is a great place to work and somewhere they can thrive. 

I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Academy, working with an incredibly committed team of people, with good craic and a common purpose, “ to make the world a better place”. 

Out of work, I enjoy the theatre and pilates and love most spending time with friends.

I joined the academy in November 2020, starting on a part-time basis, and I have since moved up to full-time. Working Flexibility around home life. My role is to ensure the daily processing of the finance function is held to a high standard and support the finance manager in the creation of monthly accounts while maintaining a close relationship with the wider team, CEO and the Board. I also support the HR function, ensuring the academy continues to be a great workplace. The academy is such a supportive and understanding organisation, that values its staff and I love having a part to play in that.

Outside the academy, I am family-oriented with a little one and a dog. My life is very busy going on lots of adventures and you will generally find me on a beach no matter the weather. When I do get time to relax I enjoy a good movie.

I have worked at the academy since 2017. I am responsible for the integrity and reporting of all financials at the academy, developing valuable, timely information for the managers, CEO and Board. I also work to increase financial awareness throughout the academy. I also act as Company Secretary.

I have many years of experience working in the third sector and appreciate the financial challenges the sector faces. I have also worked in the private sector and with a local authority.

Outside of the Academy, I enjoy bowling (lawn bowls), cooking, reading, football and golf though my time is mainly taken up (in a good way!) by my 2 young kids.

I joined the Academy in 2023 as a Knowledge Management Coordinator through the Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine leadership programme.

Within my current role as Graduate IT Strategy Implementation Officer, I support colleagues across the organisation to get the most out of our IT systems. This involves collaboratively developing working processes as well as coordinating cross-team working groups and training sessions.

Outside of the Academy, I enjoy spending my time cooking, singing and exploring new places around Edinburgh. I am also passionate about philosophy and developing critical thinking skills in young people and adults.

I joined the Academy in January 2023 and previously worked in marketing, project management and administrative roles.  In 2018, I graduated with a degree in Marketing & Business Enterprise from the University of Strathclyde.

My role involves building strong relationships with partners and clients in Gaelic medium settings and assisting the Academy in developing programmes that meet their requirements.

I like working at the Academy because I have been inspired by the work of social enterprises across the world since I studied this business model at university.  It’s also exciting to be part of an organisation that has a track record of delivering such transformational learning and development!

I joined Social Enterprise Academy in 2022 after a winding road through a variety of roles in both the private and third sectors. I worked more than a decade in live music events merchandise at home in Australia, spent time doing L&D at Apple, handled projects in the Arts, and arrived in Scotland to fall into work with the criminal justice system and wider third sector before happily finding my way to the Academy.

My role lets me work with partners all around the world, as well as our international Hubs, developing and supporting a huge variety of new programmes and partnerships.

Outside the Academy, you will find me with my nose in a newspaper, wolfing down another politics podcast, or hunting through my local opshops for obscure SFF novels.

I joined the Academy in 2009, having previously worked with community recycling social enterprises and managed a local rural partnership. I was involved in the early days of University of the Highlands & Islands, where I lectured on their first degree programme. Subsequently, I’ve been an Associate Tutor and consultant with the Open University on Environment modules since 2003.

For more than a decade I managed the Highlands & Islands Hub for SEA Scotland, as well as account managing direct delivery for SEA International in 12 countries. My role now spans the Scotland and International Hubs, identifying and developing opportunities for business which is sustainable, in every sense of the word. I’m also a director of Circular Communities Scotland.

Outside of the Academy, I spend my time running in the hills, wild-camping and generally enjoying wild places.

I joined the Academy in 2020, having previously worked in international cultural relations and development for 17 years.  My previous role was to lead the British Council’s social development programmes in Asia supporting the development of social entrepreneurship ecosystems.

As Head of International I lead the Academy team and global network to deliver impact in communities around the world.

This includes developing the international strategy and working with diverse partners and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors and civil society.

Outside of the Academy, I love learning about the world and the diverse cultures that make us.

I have been with the Social Enterprise Academy since 2015, having come from UnLtd where I managed a UK-wide peer support programme for social entrepreneurs. I joined SEA as part of the Education team working with the 16+ age group. After relocating to the Highlands and joining the Muir of Ord office, I moved over to the International Team.

I am lucky enough to get to work across our country teams, supporting all the great programmes happening across the world. I manage partnerships both with our country teams, as well as all the clients and partners we work with to deliver programmes outside of our teams’ countries.

Out of the Academy, I am kept busy building a new house, running after my young daughter and looking after my flock of Hebridean sheep.

I joined the Academy at the start of 2022 after previously gaining my master’s degree in religion and global politics, and became part of an exciting international team. I am currently the International Programme and Hub Network Coordinator; I am the point of contact for all our hubs across the globe, as well as a coordinator for the multitude of programmes we run worldwide. Anything international, come to me and I will guide you in the right direction.

Outside of the Academy I am usually walking my dog, Lochie, and hunting down all the good coffee in Edinburgh. 

As Head of Communications and Impact, I am responsible for showcasing the impact that transformational learning has on communities around the world. I lead on our communications, marketing, brand and impact measurement strategies.

I’m passionate about bringing our impact to life and helping people show up as their authentic selves.

Prior to joining the Social Enterprise Academy in 2016, I worked in marketing and communications roles in the third sector and private sector.

Outside of work I’m passionate about learning languages, comedy podcasts and seeing as much of the world as possible.

I’ve worked with The Academy since 2004 as an Associate Facilitator, and since 2022 developing and leading the Global Facilitator Development Strategy.  

During this time I’ve had a shared focus in our schools team, international delivery and adult programmes.  Whether supporting 3yr olds to “help the people who have to sleep outside” or senior leaders to “check my people before my emails” or experienced Facilitators to understand and adopt our Methodology my intent has been the same – To make it easier for them and to place myself in a position to have the greatest impact toward a more equitable world.

Outside of The Academy it’s bikes, boats and bairns – not necessarily in that order.

My love for Learning and Development actually started while training scuba divers in Asia in my early career. I am fascinated by the different ways people challenge and develop themselves as they learn new things! 

I joined the Academy as a volunteer in June 2016 after completing my HR degree. After being made a member of staff I worked in the Scotland delivery team for a number of years, supporting the programme delivery across the sector before moving into my current role in the Global Learning Lab.

In my role, I provide specialist design support to delivery teams and facilitators. I also support our facilitator development processes across the global network. 

In my spare time I am slowly but surely working my way towards an ICF Level 2 Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice. I also enjoy the odd DIY project – especially if it includes a trip to IKEA!

I  joined the Academy in 2021 and moved to Scotland from Bristol where I worked with a youth charity supporting young people to become self-employed and set up in business. I am originally from Ireland, where I ran my own business in Solution Constellations, happiness workshops and wellbeing coaching.

In my role with the Academy, I work on the design and development of  new and innovative  learning programmes. 

Outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors, camping, exploring what’s possible and playing the ukulele!

I joined the Academy in November 2021, with my previous role being in digital learning development.

As the Multimedia Marketing and Communications Specialist,  my role revolves around marketing and social media support for teams across the business. I also keep the websites across the SEA’s network up to date.

Out of the Academy, I enjoy hiking in Scotland’s amazing mountains and reading.

I joined the Academy in November 2021, having previously worked in virtual reality development, where I developed and ran virtual reality entertainment centre as a social enterprise that supported health and third-sector bodies related to digital learning and employment. I have a keen interest in applying technology to help organizations, educational bodies, and local community groups prepare young and adult learners for the future.

As a Digital Learning Experience Specialist, I am responsible for taking the Academy’s digital learning strategy forward. This includes developing the Online Learning Platform and developing digital learning assets.

Out of the Academy, I enjoy cooking; coming from a traditional Chinese background, I grew up with big family meals/banquets. Crypto (Bitcoin, Alt Coins, NFTs, etc.) and stocks are other things of interest.

I joined the Academy in July 2023, having previously worked with adults with learning disability and young people, through delivering and facilitating arts and crafts, and multimedia workshops in the third sector. I am passionate about making learning accessible to individuals with different learning styles and abilities using alternative communications and visual prompts. I have also been running my own business in graphic design and designing-making bespoke contemporary hand-printed interior wallpaper and interior fabrics, whilst teaching textiles printing courses to the public from my studio.

As a Design Specialist, my role revolves around graphic design within marketing and communications. I implement the Academy’s branding focus and provide core graphics support for teams across the business.

Out of the Academy, I enjoy spending time with my rescue dog, with other interests comprising of but not limited to cooking and eating, art and design, reading, attending gigs, listening to music, playing the guitar, singing and making music and performing with my band, jewellery making, psychology and human behaviour.

I joined the Academy in July 2014 having spent many years prior working in disability and employability support roles.

As Head of Delivery (Adults), I am accountable for leading the delivery team to achieve operational plans and organisational targets and maximise the impact and growth of the Academy’s adult learning programmes. I support strategic planning and contribute to the successful management of key client accounts.

Outside of work, I volunteer with an arts organisation in Edinburgh and do my best to keep up regular running and exercise.

I joined the Academy in February 2018 as the International Learning Administrator before moving into the Programme Manager role in the Scotland delivery team. I look after all the programmes that we deliver as part of the Just Enterprise Consortium. 

Out of the Academy I love cooking, reading and trips to the cinema.  My time in south-east Asia has given me a lifelong love of exploring new countries and cultures and I am always on the lookout for THE perfect beach.

Coming from the film industry and tourism, I joined the Academy in July 2018 as I was looking for an organisation aligned with my values, where my work would have an impact. After a year of coordinating learning programmes, I moved to the position of Programme Officer as part of the Delivery team. My role now includes programme management, team oversight, and support in developing and implementing our strategic and operational plan. I care about providing the best experience to our clients and partners, and I like supporting others’ development. In my current position, I am also happy to contribute to improving working methods to maximise our impact.

Outside of the Academy, I enjoy spending my time rock climbing. It is a fantastic sport that enabled me to learn a lot about myself – It is challenging, helps strengthen determination, and teaches a lot about failure and how to learn from it. I also like hiking, cultural events and nice chats with people.

I joined the Academy in June 2019. Prior to the Academy, I worked as an administrator.

As Senior Programme Coordinator, I support the learners and organise the administrative side of the programmes as well as training and supporting the wider coordinator team. I endeavour to make sure the facilitator and learners have everything they need, therefore ensuring that the programmes go as smoothly as possible. In particular, I spend most of my time managing the programme pages that learners are able to access.

Outside of the Academy, I enjoy spending my time reading anything I can get my hands on and snuggling with my cat. 

I joined the Academy in August 2021 after some time as a stay-at-home mum. Earlier that year, I’d participated in a women returners programme which changed the way I thought about learning and really opened my eyes to how powerful facilitator-led sessions based on peer support could be.

Prior to my career break, I organised placements for business consultants, health professionals and postgraduate students keen to use their skills in new contexts and learn from their overseas counterparts.

I now coordinate the Academy’s international learning programmes and would love for our facilitators and learners to come away from their sessions feeling as inspired and empowered as I did.

I am a Senior Learning Coordinator and joined the Academy at the end of June ’22.

I am part of the Delivery Team in Scotland and I support the delivery of seamless, world-class learning experiences to our Learners, based out of our office in Muir of Ord in Highland.

Out of the Academy, you will find me with my nose in a book, crafting or organising some sort of community event, anything from Christmas dinners to gardening projects but always something that promotes inclusion and affects rural isolation!

I joined the Academy at the start of 2022 after previously gaining my master’s degree in religion and global politics, and became part of an exciting international team. I am currently the International Programme and Hub Network Coordinator; I am the point of contact for all our hubs across the globe, as well as a coordinator for the multitude of programmes we run worldwide. Anything international, come to me and I will guide you in the right direction.

Outside of the Academy I am usually walking my dog, Lochie, and hunting down all the good coffee in Edinburgh. 

I joined the Academy in 2023 to lead the Global Learning Lab while Claire starts her very important new role as a mum.  I have worked as an HR, Talent and L&D professional across a number of different industries from Financial Services as well as the Media Industry.  I have also spent time as a charity board member in recent years.

During my time in this role here I supported in continuing the great work Claire does to develop the Academy’s approach to learning and development, sharing programmes and learning from across the globe. In October, I started in my exciting role at the Academy as the Head of Social Enterprise Schools (Scotland). 

Out of the Academy, I enjoy spending my time making people laugh as a stand-up comic, this is something I started doing recently and so far, so good.

I joined the Social Enterprise Academy in 2017 after a 7 year break in my business development and sales career. Based in the Muir of Ord office in the Highlands I was fortunate to begin working with the Academy in a part time role as Learning Co-ordinator, supporting adult learners and facilitators through a number of projects. Later that year I became part of the Schools Delivery team and I now lead on the strategic roll-out of our transformational schools programme across the North of Scotland, a busy and full-time role. Im on the road a lot, building partnerships with primary and secondary schools and their communities, supporting pupil-led social enterprise ventures to become sustainable and create the change they want to see.

At home the animals on my croft keep me busy, there is always a job to do! When I have the time I love walking in our beautiful landscape and being on the water.

I started at the Academy in December 2017.

I have a background in International Development and Youth work and have been lucky enough to volunteer for a number of fantastic organisations doing work both in Glasgow and overseas. In my previous post I was a sales and development executive for a fair trade social enterprise and so was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to join the Social Enterprise Academy and get the opportunity to support others on their social enterprise journey.

In my role as an Education Manager, I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing selection of teachers and pupils creating some truly wonderful social enterprises. My responsibilities include arranging pupil workshops with our social enterprise tutors, maintaining relationships with key actors throughout the education sector and providing support and advice to teachers who are looking to give their kids the best possible experience of social enterprise. If you want to know anything about how to introduce social enterprise to your school or local authority, contact me!

Outside of the academy, I spend my spare time kicking a ball about and trying my best to keep up with my daughter.

I joined the Academy in September 2021. Prior to that, I managed the education offer of the Prince’s Trust in Edinburgh, Lothians and the Scottish Borders.

As the Education Manager for South of Scotland, I oversee the development and implementation of the Social Enterprise in Schools programme. My area includes the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

I am thrilled to be part of the Social Enterprise Academy and have the opportunity to play a small role in the development of social enterprise education in Scotland. I’m looking forward to working closely with educators to deliver the transformational experience of running a social enterprise in each school in my area.

Outside of work: I enjoy reading and volunteering as an ESOL teacher for adult and children refugees.

I joined the Academy in 2021 as Education Manager for the East.

Prior to that I was the Development Officer for Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS), and before that I worked for Police Scotland. The majority of my career has seen me work on the periphery of education.

I feel very fortunate to work with the Academy. I love how young people are empowered to be social change makers. It is very important to me that the Social Enterprise Schools Programme is fully inclusive. 

Outside of work I love spending time with my family and dog. I’ve also volunteered with the Riding for Disabled since I was 16.

I joined the academy in August 2022. I’m responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with new and existing schools across the west as well as ensuring they’re booked in for pupil workshops and helping them on their way towards the Dragons’ Den. Building relationships with teachers has been a joy and a key part of my role.  It’s been a pleasure watching the journey of young people since I started and I’m very excited to see what the future holds.

I like working at the academy because it gives me a sense of purpose that’s very hard to find in your job usually. I work with a great team and there’s rarely ever a day I dread going to work. In my younger years I had done a lot of youth work in my local area as well as in Malawi and seeing the impact Social Enterprise Schools has made within communities in my local area and beyond is very rewarding and inspiring and I would like to contribute to that as much as I can.

I was thrilled to join the team in July 2022.  I have been working in Education for the last 10 years, firstly as a Primary Teacher at an International School in Belgium and then for a charity in Scotland, providing an educational qualification in schools. I am passionate about making education accessible and exciting for everyone. 

Outside of the Academy, I love spending time with my family, walking by the sea and observing all the amazing aspects of the coastline. I am a keen supporter of the performing arts and love all the musicals especially.

I joined the Academy in 2021 after primarily working within a Health & Social Care setting, and then within the third sector, working for a national charity that supported women and children in need.

My role as Education Programme Coordinator is to support the Education team, our Facilitators, and Learners through our Social Enterprise Schools Programme. I liaise with schools, Facilitators and the Education Team to plan and manage Pupil Workshops, CPDs and other events. I also act as the main point of contact for the Education Team.

I like working at the Academy because the people I work with are so passionate about making positive changes and work incredibly hard towards creating a greener, fairer and more sustainable society.

If I was to start my own social enterprise, I would like to combine using surplus food and tackling food waste, with helping people and families in need.

Outside of the Academy, I enjoy spending time with my family, getting outdoors, and exploring Scotland.

I joined the Academy in 2007 and I have been lucky to be involved in our amazing schools programme from its start.

In my role as Education Manager, I work with local authorities, stakeholders, schools and young people to develop our programme and ensure all schools across Scotland have the chance to get involved with social enterprise.  The best part of my job is getting to see our passionate young people be empowered to make positive change in their communities through setting up social enterprises. 

Outside work I enjoy the theatre, travelling  and learning new languages (currently Spanish!) 

I joined the Social Enterprise Academy in January 2024 and work as the North, Highlands and Islands Education Programme Coordinator at the Muir of Ord office. For the Social Enterprise Schools programme, I support and liaise with schools, learners, facilitators, and the education team to plan and manage pupil workshops, CPDs and other events. I am also the main point of contact for the My Future My Success programme and support Youth Development Officers to inspire young school leavers to set up social enterprises.

I joined the Academy in February 2020. My role as Education Manager (England) is to manage the delivery of Social Enterprise Schools across England. My responsibilities include managing our wonderful team of Education Facilitators in England, and ensuring the quality and impact of our programme. 

If I were to start up my own Social Enterprise, it would be a youth club!

I joined the Academy in January 2023, prior to which I was a primary school teacher. 

My role as the Education Coordinator (England) involves supporting schools and their young people on their Social Enterprise Schools Programme journeys. I help to organise their Workshops and Pitch Coaching sessions, acting as a point of contact for the teachers. Additionally, I support the Education Team in England with planning events such as Dragons’ Dens and our Awards Ceremony for the schools, young people and wider stakeholders involved. 

Outside of work I enjoy fell walking, playing music and tending to my allotment. 

I joined the Academy in August 2021. I previously taught English as a foreign language and more recently completed an MSc in Environmental and Sustainability Studies at the University of Strathclyde.

I provide support to all our new and existing schools within the Social Enterprise Schools team in England, ensuring learners and teachers have the appropriate resources to make the most of our programme and their social enterprises. I am often one of the first Academy representatives to meet with new participants, and lucky enough to visit so many of our brilliant schools!

I like working for the Academy because of all of the inspiring individuals that I get to collaborate with and talk to each day. These exchanges are a constant reminder of how capable we are at creating local and global economies which reflect social and environmental benefit!

Out of the academy I enjoy spending my time cycling, reading or taking photographs. I am an amateur film photographer and like to explore new landscapes and settings whenever I get the chance.