The Board (also known as Trustees) of Active Communities is responsible for setting our strategic direction to deliver our charitable objectives.
Members of the Board of Trustees are responsible for ensuring the effective oversight and governance within the organisation to benefit the people who access Active Communities.
The Board is responsible for the supervision of the Chief Executive to take overall responsibility for the organisation, acting collectively and effectively in its interests by giving strategic direction and determining the mission and vision.
The Board of Trustees makes the decisions required for scrutiny, quality assurance and management of the organisation, ensuring compliance, good governance and adequate financial resources. The Board also ensures risks are carefully managed.
Being a member of our Board of Trustees is a voluntary role with travel expenses paid. Meetings are held every 6/8 weeks, typically in the evening in Station Seven, Johnstone, or remotely by video call.
Interested in getting involved? We are particularly interested in recruiting new board members with the following experience and skills in: Health, Legal, Fundraising, Facilities Management, Social Care, Marketing/Digital, HR and Finance.
We offer induction training to our Trustees and can provide other support and training if you are new to the role of Trustee.
If you'd like to apply to become a Trustee, we have a selection process to ensure you are a right fit for us - and we are a right fit for you! Email colette@activecommunities.co.uk for more information.
Susie began her career in event sales and management, where she developed strong skills in event planning, client relationships, communication and income generation. After several years in the commercial sector, she was drawn to the third sector, bringing her strategic and people-focused approach to the Citizens Advice Bureau network.
Over the past seven years, Susie has held key roles — first as Service Development Manager at Airdrie CAB and now as Business Development Manager at Motherwell and Wishaw CAB. In that time, she has helped to grow and strengthen local services, secure innovative funding worth almost £4 million, and build meaningful partnerships with funders, stakeholders, and communities.
Susie joined the Board in April 2023 and became Chair in summer 2025. She is passionate about collaboration, sustainability, and supporting communities through accessible, person-centred support.
Outside of work, she enjoys family life with her two young children, getting outdoors and meeting friends - preferably with a good coffee in hand.
Russell has over 30 years of experience in finance and professional services, holding leadership and business management roles. He is now a partner in a leadership coaching firm, working with mid to senior executives. Russell joined Active Communities' board in May 2022 and is currently the Treasurer, overseeing the charity's finances. He recognises the importance of a motivated team and positive working culture, which he believes Active Communities embodies.
Isabel taught for 40 years in Primary Schools in Renfrewshire but has now been retired for 20 years. She was also involved with youth organisations, sports coaching and active fundraising for various charities. Many years were spent as a carer for her husband. During this time she became a member of Active Communities walking group & it was a great source of exercise & understanding company. Shortly before Active Communities were making the great step forward into Station Seven she was invited to join the Board.
Kenneth is a retired IT and Business Consultant and is a resident of Johnstone. He has extensive experience working with organisations to adopt digital technology to help deliver better “outcomes” for all stakeholders; this includes working with a number of Non-Profit organisations. Kenneth also brings practical building / construction skills as he has built and refitted a number of properties (his wife is also a retired Quantity Surveyor). In his spare time Kenneth enjoys travel in his Motorhome with his wife Sharon and Hamish (the Westie), along with enjoying playing a number of musical instruments and playing golf (badly).
Having retired from a career in Social Worker in 2015, Sheila became involved in Active Communities since then through volunteering with walking groups, drop-ins, phone buddies, pantry and other various activities as required. She finds watching people enjoying themselves in groups, improving their social skills and growing in confidence extremely gratifying. Sheila aims to help Active Communities continue to serve the community and help people grow towards their full potential. Sheila is also a mother and grandmother and her family are very important to her.
