The charity works to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness through 60-plus services across the South East of Scotland and nationally. As the charity continues to develop - modelling a ‘Public Health’ approach to Homelessness Prevention– the board will play a vital role in realising this ambition.

Jason MacGilp is currently deputy CEO at Govan Housing Group. He has many years’ experience working for housing associations and local government. Previously, he was the chief executive for 12 years at Cairn Housing Group which provided 4,500 affordable rented homes throughout Scotland.

Jason also currently serves on the board of environmental charity Changeworks, which delivers a range of net zero projects throughout Scotland, working with partners to decarbonise Scotland’s homes.

Jason said: “I am delighted to be joining Cyrenians as one of the new Trustees. The organisation’s crucial work has never been more needed. The country is facing a housing crisis, and I am looking forward to working with the other Trustees and the management team to drive the delivery of the important Cyrenians’ projects that help tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness.”

Mairi Cameron currently works for the British Council, after working in the Scottish Government for over eight years, beginning as a policy officer in the Self-directed Support team, before holding a variety of posts as part of the Scottish Government’s Leadership Development Programme. Mairi founded and chaired the Women’s Development Network, a community for woman in the Scottish Government to support, develop, and mentor more women into leadership positions.

Mairi said: “I’m excited to bring my background in policy and politics and passion for making real change for the people of Scotland, and work with Cyrenians to further your ambition to address the causes and consequences of homelessness.”

With over 35 years of experience, Bernadette Monaghan currently works as head of development with deaf action and is learning British Sign Language. Bernadette is passionate about justice and working to create an inclusive society and will bring experience from working in both the public and third sectors. Namely as chief executive of Apex Scotland, the first national convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland, chief executive of Volunteer Glasgow and latterly director of community empowerment and equalities with Glasgow City Council.

Bernadette said: “I have always been hugely impressed with Cyrenians’ vision, mission and importantly, values, which I think are a good fit with my own.

“I am delighted to contribute to the Board of this purpose-led, values-driven organisation, which oversees a strong organisation with a committed and positive staff team and can demonstrate that it makes a real difference to people experiencing or at risk of, homelessness, and much more.

“I am also looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow through working with other like-minded yet diverse trustees.”

The Cyrenians leadership team extended a warm welcome to the new members.

Ewan Aitken, chief executive, said: “I, and the rest of the organisation, are delighted to be able to welcome three talented and knowledgeable individuals to serve on Cyrenians board. With the housing crisis – and its fallout – showing no signs of abating our work is more critical than ever. I have no doubt that the experience and wisdom that our new Trustees are bringing will be invaluable in the coming years.”