Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation, sister charities Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, have appointed a new chief executive with a remit to grow and diversify the services offered to people who have lost their site and their families.

Craig Spalding, currently the Director of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, will take up the role of Chief Executive in late January 2022.

He takes over from Mark O’Donnell, who during his four years at the helm oversaw the re-launch of what had previously been the charities Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded.

Michael Craig, Chair of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans said the organisation is delighted to be able to appoint Craig as its new leader:

“He will bring with him enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to help us towards our joint mission of reaching everyone in Scotland with sight loss – where and when they need us.”

When advertising the role, the charities told candidates they wanted to appoint someone who could maintain their focus on core values of 'transform, unite and thrive', and to take the organisation forward:

‘Improving, growing and diversifying the charities’ service provision, extending reach and impact across Scotland, the successful candidate will also ensure both charities continue to play a leading role in shaping policy and delivering positive change to ensure a fairer society for people with sight loss in Scotland. As a key ambassador, promoting and enhancing the positive profile of both organisations you will also build networks, develop and maintain strategic partnerships that enable us to empower people affected by sight loss in Scotland.’

Craig Spalding said he was honoured to be joining the site Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans team:

“To become a part of an organisation with a rich history that makes a difference in the lives of many people in Scotland, along with the ambition to increase our reach to many others, is truly motivating and somewhat humbling.

“I can't wait to begin my journey at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, helping colleagues as well as the people of Scotland affected by sight loss transform, unite and thrive.”

After first training as a microbiologist and working in the food and biotechnology industries in his native Australia, Craig Spalding completed an MBA specialising in quality management, before working in the Australian and then Irish blood services.

Since joining the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNTBS) in 2019 as Director, the SNTBS has reformed its approach to eligibility for blood donors, allowing thousands of gay and bisexual men to donate blood for the first time.

Sight Scotland serves people of all ages and stages of sight loss, including through providing community, residential and specialist care and education services, including at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh. It also runs the Scottish Braille Press which provides supported employment, with half of its staff having disabilities including visual impairment

Sight Scotland Veterans provides support to armed forces and national service veterans in Scotland affected by sight loss, regardless of the cause.

 

Read More: Comment: Sight loss is a public health concern; Penumbra appoints new chief; Survey: Unprecedented anxiety of older Scots

 

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