Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is delighted to announce the 15-strong cohort that makes up SDS’ first ever National Advisory Forum.
The National Advisory Forum at SDS consists of a dynamic group of individuals who bring real-world insight, experience and ideas to influence positive change throughout Scotland.
SDS CEO, Gavin Macleod “Having the first ever National Advisory Forum is a huge step forward for Scottish Disability Sport. As laid out in the Call to Action (link) it is so important that people with disabilities in Scotland are able to co-design, guide and inform the organisation in matters of strategy, policy and practice.”
The purpose of the National Advisory Forum is to allow those with lived experience to advocate for inclusion and equality in sport and physical activity, advise on SDS policies and programmes that matter and inspire the next generation of athletes and participants.
Forum member, Gemma Lumsdaine, said: “It is fantastic to have people with lived experience round the table influencing decision-making, policy and what the next steps are. Because you’ve experienced it and have a unique perspective it can provide real insight and unique perspectives along with supporting role modelling so that when individuals think about starting a journey in sport or physical activity, then they see people like themselves. Sports needs to show that it is a place for people with disabilities whether as coaches, volunteers, athletes and participants.”
SDS is fully committed to being an organisation that co-designs with our athletes and participants to ensure the voice of those with lived experience is heard and directs the work of the organisation.
Together, SDS and the National Advisory Forum can collaborate to create a sporting landscape where everyone belongs.
“It feels important to be part of a space where lived experiences and practical insight can directly influence decisions and policy.
“It is exciting to have the chance to collaborate with other people who share a similar passion but also to learn from their own experiences and perspectives”, said Jack Brodie, member of the Forum.
2026 cohort of the SDS National Advisory Forum –
- Devin Adams
- Jim Anderson
- Jack Brodie
- Anna Craig
- Samantha Gough
- Steven Holgan
- Nigel Honey
- Logan Kidd
- Gemma Lumsdaine
- John Stuart McClelland
- Layla McCloskey
- Finlay Mears-Young
- Olivia Jane Roberston
- Karen Townson
- Rick Townson
Find out more about the National Advisory Forum via this link, here: SDS National Advisory Forum.
SDS’ strategic plan, which directs SDS’ work, can be found on the website at via this link: SDS Strategic Plan -.
Alongside SDS’ four-point Call to Action which urges all of SDS’ stakeholders to engage in meaningful change to remove barriers to sport and physical activity.