We are delighted to welcome Kirsty Nairn, our new Chief Operating Officer, to our team.
Kirsty joins us from the National Lottery Community Fund. We asked her a few questions as she settles into life at Scottish Refugee Council.
What made you want to work for the SRC?
“Where to start… It’s a really exciting but challenging time to be joining SRC.
“Having previously worked for a major grant funder, I’ve been aware of vital work that SRC does for many years, but I was particularly attracted by the prospect of joining the organisation as the new strategy was being launched and in an entirely new role – a combination of opportunities that doesn’t come along very often.
“The potential to influence and shape both the delivery of the new strategic plan as well as the COO role really appealed to me as it will hopefully enable me to maximise my skills, experience and knowledge for the benefit of the organisation. Additionally, the crises of the last few years have also demonstrated more than ever the need for strong and compassionate leadership within the third sector.”
“The crises of the last few years have also demonstrated more than ever the need for strong and compassionate leadership within the third sector”
Can you tell us a little about your background?
“When I left university with a degree in History and Politics, I knew what I didn’t want to do (teaching!) but had no idea what jobs I was actually interested in.
“I moved to London and fell into a few financial services roles. They were completely soulless and not a good fit for me at all, but did help me realise that I enjoyed managing people and delivering projects.
“I moved back to Scotland and after a stint volunteering with the SSPCA, I joined what was then the New Opportunities Fund (now known as The National Lottery Community Fund). I spent 10 years working in the Fund’s grant-making team delivering both lottery and Scottish Government funding, before becoming Head of Business Support and a member of the senior management team 10 years ago. I loved the variety that the role offered – no two days were ever the same and while it was lots of things, it was never dull! During that time, I also volunteered as a member of the Children’s Panel and a mentor with MCR Pathways.”
What’s one thing you’re really excited about?
“Putting people and communities at the heart of our work, by including the voice of lived experience in everything we do. I’m excited about the changes this can make to our work, what we will learn by working in this way and how we then use that learning to evolve and improve our practice.”
What can you see being your biggest challenge?
“Capacity. I’ve only been here for a few days and already I can see that there is lots going on – colleagues are very busy.”
What do you do to unwind after a busy day at work?
“Go for a run. It’s the best way I’ve found for me to process, problem solve and leave the day behind. The dopamine hit helps me to end the day feeling positive.”
“I genuinely believe that our people are our biggest asset”
What’s one thing you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of?
“I’m going to cheat here because there are two things that I’m probably most proud of.
“Firstly, playing a part in the construction of The Kelpies in Grangemouth. At the time, at approx. £40m, The Kelpies project was the largest grant award to a project in Scotland and I was asked to work with a range of partners to ‘make it happen’. Let’s just say, it’s a huge achievement that the Kelpies have towered over the M9 for the past 9 years. It was also an invaluable learning experience about planning, managing risk, working in partnership, cost efficiencies/value engineering and so much more!
“Secondly, spotting and nurturing talent and seeing that potential realised as folk go on to do great things. To play just a small part in someone’s journey and success is hugely motivating and a real privilege as I genuinely believe that our people are our biggest asset.”
