Our Board
How BLP is Governed:
Better Lives Partnership is overseen by a Board of Trustees. The Board was developed with great care and diligence to equip the organisation with the range of experience, knowledge and skills required to oversee and rigorously manage all of its work, but with an emphasis on the employability strands in particular.
The Board meets monthly to guide the work of Better Lives Partnership in line with the governing document and business plans, ensuring that the organisation continues to operate in line with our charitable aims.
We also have a Young Person’s Board, which comprises young people from each location. Meetings are held bi-monthly and allows young people to voice their ideas and feedback.
Our Board of Trustees maintains regular communication with our Teams and completes bi-annual visits at each site. These visits aim to assess how our Bridge 2 Employment programmes are running and receive feedback from the staff.
Meet our Board
Andy Margerison
Chairman of the Board
Andy is a former Headteacher of a primary school for children with ASD in the Highlands, Depute Head and Principal Teacher for Additional Needs at Kirkcudbright Academy and currently Autism Initiative Project Officer for Dumfries & Galloway Council. Andy has 30 years of experience in supporting children and young people with additional needs and in-depth knowledge of the provision in Dumfries & Galloway.
Stewart Biggar
Vice Chair
Stewart was previously Principal Educational Psychologist for DGC and inaugural Chair of D&G Autism Strategy Group which drew up the local strategy and action plan ‘Better Lives for People with Autism’ in 2012.
About being a trustee, Stewart says: “I am proud to be involved with Better Lives Partnership, working to support young people with autism”.
John Lynch
Treasurer
John has over 30 years of experience in social housing. He was a Head of Service for Dumfries and Galloway Council managing the Housing Strategy, investment, Homelessness and Housing Support teams. John knows the impact of good quality housing and support on young people’s lives.
He thinks Better Lives Partnership can really make a difference and is very happy to contribute to their valuable work.
Mary Hannay
Trustee
I trained as a primary school teacher and became an Additional Support for Learning teacher on returning to work after having my own children. I worked within the Supporting Learners Team within D&G Council Education Department for many years ending my career as education officer (A.S.L.)
“I have always had an interest in young people’s learning whether it be academic or vocational and the Better Lives Project takes young people into adulthood with a view to maximising their potential.”
David Corrie
Trustee
David is a Chartered Surveyor and Partner at Galbraith Land Agents in Castle Douglas.
“I was first invited to speak to some of the Young People at BLP when it started, as part of their Bridge to Employment programme. I believe it is important that everyone is able to access the guidance and support they require to enable them to enter the workplace and feel supported in that transition from school and college.”
Caroline Robertson
Trustee
Throughout my life I have been closely associated with children in my role as qualified Nanny, working with special needs, volunteer at Rudolf Steiner and have continued my interest in similar roles with playgroups, Mothers and Toddlers and laterally young people with Autism.
Currently I am an employer with a keen interest in developing the employability skills of those on the Autistic Spectrum.
“I particularly enjoy being involved in the preparation of mock interviews for Autistic people and preparing individuals for work experience interviews.”
Iain McDonald
Trustee
Iain is a retired solicitor who has spent his life in Castle Douglas.
Ha has always been interested in supporting youngsters. As a student, he participated in supporting underprivileged children. He is always enthusiastic in appreciating and encouraging efforts to reach people’s full potential regardless of their abilities.
In his business, he was a regular sponsor of children’s sports and activities and has in the past been involved in cubs and scouts as a leader.
