Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) has its own advisory board and, by working closely with key partners, aims to demonstrate the improved productivity, sustainability and community benefits that co-operative models can offer. Its remit is to:
- Raise awareness of co-operative business models
- Help new and existing co-operatives to grow
- Develop markets for co-operative and co-owned businesses
James Arnold
James is currently Chairman Designate of The Owenstown Co-operative in South Lanarkshire, a new town that will be owned and managed by its residents. He was awarded an MBE for leading the restoration of New Lanark and has held directorships with a wide range of public, social and community enterprises. James also undertakes consultancy assignments for public and private sector clients.
Johnston Birchall
Johnston is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Stirling. The author of several books on co-operation, he is currently advising the UN on co-operative responses to the global crisis. Key interests include the potential for membership-based associations to meet their members’ needs in ways that avoid the excesses of state bureaucracy and market competition.
Fiona Gifford
Fiona is Managing Director of leadership consultancy The Performance Collective. She one of Scotland’s most experienced strategy and performance consultants and has a 30 year career working for major blue chip organisations including Motorola, NEC and Royal Bank of Scotland. Helping businesses boost performance and productivity through collaboration and strategic partnerships is a key area of her expertise.
James Graham
James is Chief Executive of SAOS, the development body for co-operative and collaborative enterprise in Scotland's agricultural and rural industries. The member-owned society has helped pioneer strategies including the development of farmers' markets and co-operative rural labour management. James has many years hands-on development experience spanning Scotland's farming and forestry industries.
Iain Macdonald
Iain is a board member of the UK think tank, MUTUO, and a member of the GlobalScot international business network. He was formerly Director-General of the International Co-operative Alliance, which represents co-operatives globally. Earlier roles include observer to the International Labour Office Governing Body and the UN Economic and Social Council, Board Chair of the Committee for the Advancement and Promotion of Co-operatives (COPAC) and member of the USA's Freedom from Hunger's Ambassadors Council.
Alasdair Macmillan
Alasdair is a Director and co-founder of Atomised, an ethical web design and development co-operative based in Fife. His career has spanned digital media, software development and music, including co-founding the community record label Moojuice. He has degrees from The University of Edinburgh (American Studies) and The University of St Andrews (IT Postgraduate) and a strong interest in helping grow new technology co-operatives.
Donnie Macaulay
Donnie Macaulay is Director of Regional Infrastructure at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). After an early career as a teacher and consumer adviser, Donnie joined Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) as a Development Officer in 1980. He managed the Stornoway office of HIDB from 1984, and became Chief Executive of the Local Enterprise Company for the Western Isles - Western Isles Enterprise - in 1991. In 2008 Donnie became Regional Director - West at HIE, with geographic responsibility for Argyll and the Islands and the Western Isles areas. He has held his current position since 2011.
Jeremy Miles
Jeremy is Managing Director of Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, a successful bicycle retailer with outlets in Scotland and the North of England. He has been instrumental in growing revenues from £2 million to £11 million and building the company's structure. Most recently, Edinburgh Bicycle has developed its governance model, introducing a bespoke share ownership scheme and a Board of Directors.
Geoff Miller
Geoff Miller is Group Finance Director of Tullis Russell Group, the employee owned papermaking, coating and converting company. He joined the company in 1986 and was part of the team that facilitated the employee buyout in 1994. Geoff has been instrumental in developing employee ownership at Tullis Russell and currently manages the employee share schemes and employee trusts. He is an appointed representative and past Chairman of the Employee Ownership Board (EOB), which represents the employees as shareholders, and is a trustee of all three employee trusts.
Les Morgan
Les is owner of the people development consultancy QFOUR. Recent clients include the World Health Organisation and Ernst & Young. He was previously Chief Executive of Moray Council, General Manager with Cap Gemini and Scottish Director for leadership development organisation The Leadership Trust. Les specialises in driving cultural change and innovation through more effective teamwork and emotional intelligence.
Dougal Perman
Dougal is co-founder of Yellow Brick House Media, a digital media consortium set up with advice from CDS. He is also Managing Director of Inner Ear, a digital production specialist and founder of the UK's longest running independent internet radio station. Dougal is an active board member of the Scottish Music Industry Association and is passionate about supporting growth amongst Scotland’s SME community.
David Smith
David Smith is Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise, responsible for promoting innovation and support across areas including rural development and social enterprise. He was previously acting Chief Executive of Scottish Development International, the trade promotion body, and held a range of senior roles at companies including British Aerospace, Escom Computers and Intel.
Robin Stewart
Robin has been active in many co-operatives throughout his adult life and is currently Chair, Scotland & Northern Ireland Board, The Co-operative Group. He is also a Director of Co-operatives UK and a member of the Board of Management of The Co-operative College. He serves on the Board of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum and of Co-operation & Mutuality Scotland and is Vice-Chair of Co-operative Education Trust Scotland.
Carron Tobin
Carron is Director of Rural Dimensions, a consultancy specialising in sustainable rural development. She is also a director of Callander Community Development Trust and Heart of Argyll Tourism Alliance, a consortium co-operative established with advice from CDS. Carron has wide experience of leading successful community-based economic development projects, where collaboration, innovation and effective management of multiple stakeholder groups are key to success.