Ceartas Staff Members:
There is no formal pathway into Advocacy work, or the Information Work, Peer Support and other roles that staff members carry out within Ceartas. The staff team comes from a diverse range of previous employment, and has a wide range of skills and experience.
What the staff team do have in common is empathy and compassion, respect for other people, an understanding of human rights, and being thrawn enough to do something about putting wrongs to right.
Ceartas tries its hardest to look after its staff, the organisation is a ‘Positive About Disabled People’ employer, a ‘See Me’ Pledge signatory, and has been awarded the gold Healthy Working Lives Award.
Alex has been with Ceartas since April 2016, she works across the whole range of advocacy activities, supporting people to make choices and have their rights upheld and their preferences respected.
Donna joined Ceartas in June 2024 as the new Advocacy Lead.
She is a qualified Social Worker, having a variety of experience working within both the Statutory and Voluntary Sector.
She is also passionate about equality, inclusion, and social justice, and feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the excellent work that Ceartas does.
My name is Jacqueline, but I answer to most things including Jac. I have worked as an advocate in East Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and Glasgow prior to joining the team at Ceartas at the beginning of this year. As an advocate I am privileged to work with lots of different people to achieve their best outcomes. Providing person centred advocacy in varied situations people may find themselves involved in. If I can’t help you, I will endeavour to find someone who can. I am focussed on positives. Principles of Advocacy The equal value of all people. The importance of choice and mutual respect. The development of skills and abilities which encourage equal opportunities Inclusion in society. The independence of advocacy partnerships. Accessibility of advocacy.
James joined Ceartas in October 2022, having previously finished his Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. James works across a variety of advocacy activities, supporting individuals to ensure that their rights are upheld, and their views are heard. Outside of work, James plays basketball competitively and enjoys discovering new wines – something which he has a qualification in!
Kacey joined Ceartas in October 2023, having previously finished her Social Work degree. As part of her studies, Kacey completed a placement with Ceartas. Kacey works across a variety of advocacy activities, supporting individuals to ensure that their rights are upheld, and their views are heard.
Lynne started with Ceartas in May 2022 as a group facilitator to set up and develop our new peer support group., A Bite & A Blether. This peer support group is a collaboration between East Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau which helps reduce social isolation and loneliness, enhance mental health and wellbeing and provides routes into advocacy. In September 2023 Lynne took on a new role within Ceartas as coordinator for our Connect Create Change project. Previously Lynne worked within health and social care.
Mags joined Ceartas in November 2023 and works with Lynne and Ryan offering support to groups, including A Bite and A Blether, ABI Café, Walk n Roll and De Cafés.
Norma took up the Finance and Admin role with Ceartas in June 2024. She has worked in the voluntary sector for over 35 years and is delighted to continue in the sector with the Ceartas team.
Patricia started work for Ceartas in 2005 on a temporary basis – she’s still here! Patricia is in charge of finance, payroll and admin for Ceartas.
Having worked at Ceartas since late 2015, Ronnie changed roles in late 2021 and is now responsible for development of OPAL: East Dunbartonshire Information Line, and laterally the East Dunbartonshire Asset Map.
Ryan joined Ceartas in August 2023 as our Information Development Worker and facilitates our De Cafes. Ryan also works alongside Lynne and Ronnie as well as the advocacy team, to raise awareness of the work that we do and to promote access to the service.
Sharon has been with Ceartas for over 20 years, starting off as an Advocacy Worker and is now responsible for the both day-to-day management of the organisation and implementing the strategic goals and objectives of Ceartas.