Board & Staff

Jen Kerr
Chief Executive Officer
Jen.Kerr@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692002

Victoria McRae
Operations Manager
victoria@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692009

I have been with CVS Falkirk for the last 8 years, moving from Volunteering Development Manager to Operations Manager, where my focus is on developing, promoting and supporting our four core functions.

Before joining CVS Falkirk I was with Volunteer Centre East Dunbartonshire for 7 years, developing volunteering both operationally and strategically.  I am passionate about volunteering and have been instrumental in developing new youth initiatives and projects.  I bring experience in events management, employability, training and development, retail and customer service as well as operational and business development.

Claire Bernard
Partnership Manager
claire.bernard@cvsfalkirk.org.uk 
01324 692007

My role as Partnership Manager is to own, implement and continually evolve the organisation’s strategic partnership.

I have experience of working in both the private and voluntary sector in operational management roles and currently volunteer as a Director with Fife Carers Centre.  My skill set includes designing outcome focussed solutions, managing change, stakeholder engagement and project management.

Pam Dixon
Finance Officer
pamela@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692008

I am the Finance Officer and responsible for the day to day finances of the organisation.  My role involves maintaining accurate financial records for CVS Falkirk and ensuring we have robust financial practices in place.  My background is in accountancy, having worked in private practice before moving into the third sector.

Jennifer Robertson
Development Officer – Social Enterprise
jennifer@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692005

In my role as Development Officer for Social Enterprise, I provide support to social enterprises at all stages of their development. This covers a wide variety of support needs from start-up information and guidance, business development support and identifying training opportunities, through to providing a voice for the Falkirk social enterprise sector at both local and national levels.

It is a challenging role but ultimately a very rewarding one, where I get to work with some fantastic and inspiring social entrepreneurs that are committed to improving peoples life chances, enhancing communities and protecting the environment.

Tariq Mahmood
Development Officer – Fundraising, Governance and Training
tariq@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692004

I am a Development Officer for Capacity Building at CVS Falkirk.  I provide organisational development support to third sector organisations in the Falkirk area.  This includes assisting voluntary organisations to identify and apply for grant funding, guidance and support on setting up a new charity or voluntary group, governance and training support, and helping organisations to be more effective in their management and service delivery.

Fiona Wilson
Forth Valley Top Toes Volunteer Coordinator
fiona@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692001

I began my volunteering journey early with the Red Cross as a child, then through high school initiatives.  After graduating from the University of South Wales, I took time out from my career to bring up my children.  I also became the Chair of an environmental community group and volunteered with an environmental funding body.

On returning to work I helped to set up a community transport and good neighbours scheme, before taking over Forth Valley Top Toes.  In my personal life, I am a keen reader and love spending time with my children, dog and gerbil.

Nicola Cox
Office Manager
nicola@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692000

As the Office Manager with CVS Falkirk, I am tasked with providing high quality administration services to the organisation, the CEO and the officers of the Board.

As well as managing administration services (such as telephone and personal enquiries, mail and email as necessary and respond to correspondence as applicable), I am tasked with ensuring the  day to day duties within the organisation run smoothly.

Laura Jamieson
Development Officer – Partner Communications
laura@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692000

As Development Officer for Partner Communications, I am responsible for collecting and disseminating information regarding the organisation and the Falkirk area, and maintaining our social media presence.  I create and distribute a weekly e-bulletin and update our website on a regular basis; I am also responsible for event planning and press relations.

My background is rather varied, with a degree in journalism and a HND in business from Forth Valley College.  I came to CVS Falkirk through my college course, completing my work experience with them and returning to volunteer, before I became an employee, as I enjoyed not only working in the third sector but with the team as a whole.

Erin Greer
Saltire Awards Administrator
Erin.Greer@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692021

I have recently started working for CVS Falkirk as a Saltire Awards Ambassador. The Saltire Awards is recognises young people’s volunteering, they can log their volunteering hours via Saltire Awards website and gain reward certificates!

I can relate to this as I have volunteered as a Kelpie ambassador down at the Helix, at Link Housing, as a season ball attendant for Falkirk FC, and at Callendar Park bonfire night collecting donations. I really enjoyed these opportunities as it let me meet new people, gain more knowledge and learn new skills.

I studied NC Admin at college, and I have recently graduated with an HND in Travel and Tourism, which I was really proud of myself for.

In my spare time I go to the gym, walk my dog or hang out with friends, or I will be at my favourite restaurant eating nachos.

Scott Malcolm
Development Officer – Champion the Sector and Volunteering
scott.malcolm@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692010

As Development Officer – Championing the Sector and Volunteering, I engage third sector organisations in order to empower communities in line with local priorities and needs. This is achieved by managing and facilitating a number of forums based on local outcomes, attending stakeholders meetings and facilitating sector participation.

I have varied experience as a business owner, working in mental health, youth work and co-founder of a charitable organisation aiming to increase participation in mountain biking.

I completed my degree in Community Education and Development in May 2018 with a 2.1 Honours.

Lynsey Hansford
Development Officer – Improving Employability Through Volunteering
lynsey.hansford@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692013

I develop and implement the Improving Employability Through Volunteering project. In this project I will develop rewarding volunteering placements for people who are engaging with the Local Authority Employment and Training Unit to improve their employability skills.

I am passionate about volunteering and I believe that the right opportunity can be a life-changing experience. In my spare time, I volunteer for a children’s activity group in my local community.

Heather Reid
Forth Valley Top Toes Administrative Support
Heather.Reid@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692006

Megan Hamilton
Administrative Assistant
megan.hamilton@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692025

After completing my apprenticeship with CVS Falkirk back in 2016 and gaining my qualification in Business Admin Level 2, I feel grateful to come back to be a part of the team again. During my time away from CVS Falkirk I have gained more admin experience in different industries within the private sector, which I can now demonstrate in my new role here.

I love the work CVS Falkirk does within the third sector and enjoy being part of the team to help deliver it. I look forward to getting to know more of the organisations in the Falkirk area.

Calum Renton
Development Officer – Community Development
Calum.Renton@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692015

I’m a graduate from Glasgow’s Caledonian and Strathclyde Universities, focusing mainly on IT and Engineering. Since leaving university, I’ve worked for several large profit driven organisations, before realising that helping others was a major passion and drive. As a result, I jumped at the chance of working for my local district’s TSI when the role of Community Development Officer opened.

I’m one of the newest Community Development Officers, with my primary focus being that of Camelon, Denny and Dunipace. My role revolves around ensuring that these communities are given the care and attention deserved, with my end goal of being the go-to person for all third sector related issues, activities and organisations for these communities.

I look forward to hearing from anyone from these communities with a question, idea or goal. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me!

Andrew Bleakley
Development Officer – Health and Wellbeing
Andrew.Bleakley@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692012

As a Community Development Officer for Health and Wellbeing in the Falkirk area, I am involved in getting communities active not just through sport but by 1 (or more) of the 5 ways people can become physically active. I also act as a strong link between CVS Falkirk and Falkirk Community Trust to get communities active by creating sports hubs throughout the area. Additionally, I work with third sector organisations and provide the support they need.

I started volunteering when I was in high school and this has ultimately led me to where I am today. When I’m not out and about in the community, I enjoy playing various sports, indulging myself in all aspects of movies and cinema and listening to the greatest hits of the 70’s and 80’s (which is the best period for music of course).

Marnie Forster
Development Officer – Community Development
Marnie.Forster@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692016

As a Community Development Officer for Maddiston, Kersiebank and Bowhouse my job is to offer support and assistance to local third sector organisations, communities and volunteers. My aim is to inspire, support and offer guidance and opportunities for the communities.

Sammy Grant
Aspiring Communities Administrator
Sammy.Grant@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692018

I started with CVS Falkirk as a volunteer in February 2017, where I was mainly on reception. I also had the opportunity to assist with Forth Valley Top Toes admin duties and get involved with various other projects, including Saltire Awards.  I then joined the new Aspiring Communities team in January 2018 as the team’s new Administration Assistant, helping them become more familiar with the organisations in their areas, as well as managing diaries and phone calls.

On a personal note, I enjoy sewing (which I have recently taken up), adult colouring in, watching basketball (my team is Glasgow Rocks), and last but definitely not least, spending time with my lovely son and learning and growing with him.

Eleanor Davis
Development Officer – Community Development
Eleanor.Davis@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692017

Qualified and experienced in Business Administration, Information Technology and event management as well as marketing and fundraising, I bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to the role, and most importantly, an enthusiasm for Falkirk’s third sector.

Having worked with several local charities, and fresh from working with a large local evangelical event, I’ve joined the team to help support and develop community groups and organisations within Bainsford, Langlees and the Bo’ness area.

If you work with a group, or you are an individual who would like to volunteer in these areas, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll do my best to support you in any way I can.