Board & Staff

Karen Herbert
Chief Executive Officer
karen@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692002

As CEO, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organisation and accountable to all stakeholders of CVS Falkirk, including staff, volunteers, directors, partners, service users, members and the wider third sector in the Falkirk area.

I have a diverse background, including accountancy, IT, customer service, employability and social enterprise at all levels within organisations at a local, national and international level.

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

I have been with CVS Falkirk for the last 6 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 – Capacity Building
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.

Claire Kennedy
Development Officer
claire@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692022

My role as a Development Officer means that I support third sector organisations in the Falkirk area, in order to improve and expand on their abilities.

I have previously volunteered and worked with local and national charities in a community fundraising capacity and use this experience to support groups to look at their fundraising as well as other aspects of their work such as governance and legal structure, committee skills and sustainability.

Carolyn Dick
Development Officer – Volunteering
carolyn@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692014

As the Volunteer Development Officer, my job is to support organisations when recruiting volunteers, identifying volunteering opportunities and promoting these roles through our website and e-bulletin.  I also help create volunteering policies and procedures, deliver presentations and workshops to local schools and groups to give them a better knowledge of volunteering in their area.

Fiona Wilson
Volunteer Coordinator Forth Valley Top Toes
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.

David Gardener
Development Officer – Policy, Research and Community Planning
david@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692010

A graduate of both the University of the Highlands and Islands, and Glasgow Caledonian University, I interned at the offices of Wild Scotland and have since worked at Perth College UHI and Perth and Kinross Council before joining CVS Falkirk as Development Officer for Policy, Research and Community Planning.

My long job title reflects the wide remit of my role.  I am currently focused on increasing third sector engagement across the Falkirk Council area, and ensuring that the voice of the third sector is represented at all levels.  I am also taking the lead for CVS Falkirk on two projects, working with key partners from across the public, private and third sectors.

I have previously volunteered in both Scotland and Kenya.  In my spare time I’m interested in most things geek, cooking, music, movies, and rugby.  I also have two cats and a gerbil.

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 also help with event planning and press relations, and minute the third sector forums.

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.

Stacey Munro
Administration Assistant
Stacey.Munro@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692000

As Administration Assistant, I provide support and assistance for the office in general, including membership matters, minuting and providing final records of forum meetings.

Erikas Chudikas
Saltire Awards Administrator
Erikas.Chudikas@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692006

As Saltire Awards Administrator, I am responsible for processing certificates, collecting and updating information about existing and new volunteers.  I also liaise with organisations to confirm information required.

I am fluent in 3 languages and I have finished high school. My goal is to gain knowledge about the job so I can progress my career. I love watching movies and playing games in my spare time as well as spending time with my friends and family.

Hannah Gordon
Communications Assistant
Hannah.Gordon@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692000

In my work placement role as communications assistant, I work alongside Laura, and I hope to gain new skills and experience through this role.

Throughout high school I was always keen on working in an office environment, due to the fact I had an interest in business and administrative studies.  I also have experience with and enjoy working with other people. I enjoy using computers due to the fact I have strong ICT and keyboard skills and would like to use these to my advantage and further my skills and training.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, organising social and family events, such as having the family round, going walks around Falkirk with my friends and enjoying the scenery and learning more about Falkirk’s historical locations. I am looking forward to developing my skills and learning more about my desired career.

Sheila Chalmers
Administrative Support Forth Valley Top Toes
Sheila.Chalmers@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692001

As Administration Support  for Forth Valley Top Toes, my role is to provide support and assistance in the day to day organisational duties of the initiative, including managing diaries for each of the clinics run by Forth Valley Top Toes.   My role also involves processing, collecting and updating information about existing and new clients.  I enjoy meeting and assisting the volunteers, who are the backbone of our organisation.

Calum Renton
Community Development Officer
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
Community Development Officer
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
Community Development Officer
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.

Dale Graham
Community Development Officer
Dale.Graham@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
01324 692017

In my role as Development Officer, I support third sector organisations with guidance and support on both setting up new voluntary organisations and building capacity for existing ones.  I also provide support with funding applications, governance and finding available training. As part of the Aspiring Communities team I work specifically within the localities of Bo’ness, Bainsford and Langlees.

Coming from a volunteering background, I use this experience to support voluntary organisations to be more effective in their management and delivery of service.

Sammy Grant
Administration Assistant
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.