Mhairi joins HNS from the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, where she was eirector, and has a distinguished record of work across public life in Scotland and across the UK.

With a background in policy and research around children’s rights, disabled students’ rights and social work research, Mhairi has previously worked in government and for Scottish and international non-governmental organisations.

Mhairi was the civil society member of the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership and currently sits on the Leadership Panel for Scotland’s Human Rights National Action Plan and on the Scottish Government Human Rights Bill Advisory Board. 

With legal rights around homelessness routinely breached in the context of a national housing emergency, Mhairi’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most prominent human rights defenders adds an extra dimension to the work of HNS and colleagues across the sector.

She played a leading role in making HRCS one of the most proactive human rights organisations in the country and is respected as a warm, inclusive and compassionate leader.

Mhairi said: “I am delighted to be joining the Homeless Network Scotland team. Scotland has a national housing emergency and homelessness is increasing – this should simply not be the case.

“HNS have such an excellent track record of enabling collaboration for system change, and I’m looking forward to being part of their work to see homelessness ended for good.

“I believe passionately that we need to do much better if everyone in Scotland is to be treated with dignity and respect – and that very much includes everyone having a safe and secure home.”

Homeless Network Scotland chief executive Maggie Brunjes said: “We were inspired by the calibre of candidates wanting to apply their expertise and talent to resolving homelessness.

“We know that Mhairi will bring to this senior role a very special approach and a unique blend of knowledge and skills that will benefit our work enormously. The board, staff and associates of Homeless Network Scotland are thrilled to welcome Mhairi to our team.”