Anna Fowlie leaves SSSC to take up chief executive role with SCVO

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has named Anna Fowlie as its new chief executive replacing Martin Sime, who left the organisation after more than 25 years, last year.

Anna will take over the post in April, having served in a similar role at the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) since 2009. Prior to this she worked for the Scottish Government, leading a team focused on improving outcomes for looked-after children.

Speaking to the SCVO’s Third Force News, Anna said she was delighted to be taking up the post. She said: “Scotland’s third sector has never had a more important role to play in the future of our communities and the direction of our country.”

“I am eager to get down to work and experience for myself the amazing things achieved by SCVO’s staff team across each of our sites. An early priority for me will be to listen to SCVO members to ensure that their voice resonates through all that we do and say. I am grateful to trustees for their confidence in me and look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Anna will work closely with SCVO convener Andrew Burns, who commented: “This is the first time in 25 years that the trustees have had to recruit a new chief executive and we were determined to get it right.

“From amongst the wealth of talent that came forward through our open recruitment process, Anna distinguished herself as a leader with the vision and the track record to bring about transformational change for SCVO and Scotland’s third sector.”

Originally from Inverness, Anna has an honours degree from Edinburgh University in the History of Art. She is a chartered member of the Charted Institute of Personnel and Development and before joining COSLA had worked in human resources in local authorities for 18 years.