Energy efficiency charity/social enterprise Scarf is continuing its landmark 40th anniversary celebrations by announcing a trio of board appointments, and unveiling an innovative new scheme aimed at encouraging others to get involved.
In a bid to constantly improve the board’s skills, expertise and diversity three new faces have joined the ranks. Meanwhile, the organisation has also used its milestone year to announce the creation of a ground-breaking “apprentice” scheme aimed at encouraging prospective board members to step up for an initial one-year period to gain the experience needed to become a future board member.
New board member Fiona Morrison is a graduate of the University of Dundee who currently works in energy regulation and compliance across generation, and domestic and non-domestic retail. Prior to that, she worked in energy trading and managed a generation portfolio of over 7 gigawatts comprising gas, coal, hydro, wind and pumped storage units, and trading gas and electricity in the wholesale markets.
Also joining the board is Ben Taylor who has more than 25 years’ experience in the energy sector, initially leading commercial deals and teams before developing and implementing strategies, organisation transformations and building businesses to address the energy transition and CO2 emissions. As well as volunteering locally, Ben is a business mentor with a London-based charity that supports entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Completing the hat-trick of recent board appointments is Will Richardson, founder of Green Element Group, a dynamic collection of organisations dedicated to environmental sustainability which was created to help pave the way for impactful change. In 2018, he co-created the Compare Your Footprint carbon footprint management and measurement software, and he is the host of the Sustainability Solved podcast which has delivered almost 180 episodes.
Commenting on the latest announcements, Lawrence Johnston, Co-CEO of Scarf said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fiona, Ben and Will to our board. Each brings valuable experience and fresh insight, and we’re excited about the contributions they’ll make as we navigate our 40th year. It’s an important milestone that underlines the importance of continually evolving our skills and perspectives. Their guidance will help steer Scarf as we look to the future with ambition and purpose.”
“Our new ‘apprentice’ scheme is designed to demystify board membership and open the door to those curious about how charities operate at a strategic level. It offers a unique opportunity to sit in on meetings, understand the inner workings of a board, and learn how to support a healthy, collaborative governance culture.”
He added: “We’ve had fantastic applications and have welcomed Alana and Natalya – two talented individuals already making a real impact, helping us shape a board that’s diverse, dynamic, and ready for the future.”
Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise that works in partnership with local and national government, private sector and other third sector organisations to deliver a range of services to householders, communities and businesses throughout the North East of Scotland. Founded in 1985, the organisation operates from offices in Aberdeen and Dundee and offers free, impartial energy saving advice to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions.
To find out more, visit www.scarf.org.uk