Chair of the board of ASH Scotland

Maureen McGinn

Maureen McGinn has been Chair of the Board of ASH Scotland since 2008. This is an unpaid and voluntary post. As Chair, she leads a strong, experienced, and committed board which ensures ASH Scotland operates effectively to achieve its aims and objectives.

Maureen’s career spans research, campaigning, policy development, and grant making in both the public and voluntary sectors. She is a former senior civil servant in the Scottish Executive holding the posts of Director of Information Technology and Head of Land Use Planning Division 1. In 2004, Maureen returned to the voluntary sector to set up a grant making organisation supporting youth work in Scotland.  She was Chief Executive of the Laidlaw Youth Trust until 2009.  This Trust promoted effective partnership work between charities supporting children and vulnerable young people in Scotland.

Maureen’s interest in young people, social issues, and the voluntary sector has led to her being involved with a number of groups. These include being Ambassador in Scotland for Tomorrow's People charity which works with young people; Commissioner of the Poverty Truth Commission; Member of the Scotland Committee of the Big Lottery Fund; an Advisor on Social Justice to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation; and a Board Member of Social Investment Scotland. In addition she has previously been a Member of Scotland Funders’ Forum and Vice Convenor of the Scottish Grant Making Trusts Group.

Maureen was educated at Perth Academy then Edinburgh University where she acquired a degree in Sociology and Social Administration.  This was followed by a post graduate certificate in youth and community work at Moray House. She is married to Sir John Elvidge, and as such is also known as Maureen, Lady Elvidge.