St John Scotland welcomes new Trustees

As charities across the country mark Trustees’ Week, St John Scotland is delighted to introduce two new members of its Board of Trustees, Irene Adams OBE and Mike Edwards OBE.

Both bring a wealth of professional, charitable and voluntary experience to the organisation and will help support and guide St John Scotland as it continues its work in communities across the country.

Irene Adams OBE was born and educated in Edinburgh and has enjoyed a successful career spanning public relations, insurance, sales, marketing, publishing and asset management.

She served as Global Business Development Director at Deutsche Asset Management before returning to Scotland, where she played a significant role in the establishment and subsequent sale of the UK Green Investment Bank, which was headquartered in Edinburgh.

Irene later spent six years at the British Business Bank as Special Adviser to Lord Smith of Kelvin and adviser to the Board. She continues to serve as Special Adviser to Lord Smith.

In recognition of her contribution to business and the green economy, Irene received an Honorary Degree from Heriot-Watt University in 2011 and was appointed OBE in 2017 for services to the UK green economy.

Alongside her business career, Irene has maintained a strong commitment to the charitable and voluntary sector. She has chaired The Eric Liddell Community since 2022 and is a Trustee of the Glasgow School of Art Development Trust. Her previous roles include positions with Vetaid and Inspiring Scotland.

Mike Edwards OBE is a familiar face to many across Scotland following a distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting. Having worked across newspapers, radio and television, Mike was the face of STV’s nightly news for more than 25 years.

A published author of fiction and non-fiction, Mike is also a dementia carer and campaigner and has served on the boards of several charities, including Erskine, Scottish Veterans Residences and the Glasgow Humane Society.

Alongside his media and charitable work, Mike served as an officer in the Army Reserve for more than 30 years. He twice volunteered to be mobilised for active service and completed tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mike is a Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire and was awarded the OBE for public and charitable service in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours List.

St John Scotland is delighted to welcome Irene and Mike to the Board and looks forward to the contribution they will make as Trustees.

Trustees’ Week is also an opportunity to thank all of St John Scotland’s Trustees for the time, expertise and commitment they give to helping guide the charity and support its work across Scotland.