In a move that signals its intent to expand the sector SIS announced that the appointments include former Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group senior director Eric Gibson and former chief executive of the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Australia and Celia Hodson.

Mr Gibson currently runs his own consultancy which he founded in November 2014, while Ms Hodson brings “extensive experience of leading change, both strategic and operational, as chief operating officer and chief executive officer in medium size to multinational enterprises in UK and Australia”, SIS said.

Meanwhile, senior business adviser Kenny Fraser has been appointed chairman of the Social Growth Fund (SGF).

Mr Fraser has more than 20 years’ experience advising global companies in the technology sector, as well as in mobile communications.

The SGF, a joint venture with Big Society Capital, operates alongside six committees operated by SIS.

The funder has made nine appointments to the committees.

David Gillespie, David Robertson, Donald MacRae, John Watt, Kenny McDowell, Lynne Ross, Sam Bett and Susan Younger “represent a wealth of relevant experience from across Scotland’s third sector, business and finance communities”, the organisation said.

SIS Chairman Professor Nick Kuenssberg said: “By tapping into a broader range of skills, SIS is well placed to continue playing an instrumental role in shaping this sector. The calibre of our new members is testament to the quality of candidates who applied.”