Tag: national advisory forum

A poster with a white speech bubble in the middle which says in green text, National Advisory Forum. The background is a dark purple with light purple speech bubbles dotted throughout.

SDS Appoints 15 to National Advisory Forum

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. 

The setting is a large meeting room with two sets of windows looking out to a bright exterior. A large screen to the rear of the room is displaying the SDS 4-point Call to Action.  There are tables and chairs round the perimeter There are three groups of peoples sitting at round tables and participating in discussions. The main table in the foreground of the picture features eleven people with a mixture of ages, genders and roles which include coaches, volunteers, athletes and staff and board members.

Scottish Disability Sport Seeks Members for National Advisory Forum

YOUR SPORT. YOUR VOICE. YOUR IMPACT

• Are you passionate about shaping the future of disability sport in Scotland?
• Do you have lived experience of disability and want to make a difference?

Join the National Advisory Forum at Scottish Disability Sport – a dynamic group of individuals who bring real-world insight, experience, and ideas to influence positive change.

Type of role: Voluntary
Commitment: 4 meetings per year (mainly online with occasional in-person)
Duration: 2-year term with the possibility to serve for a further term
Reporting to: SDS Governance Subgroup
SDS Liaison: SDS Head of Policy
Deadline: 12pm, 4 February 2026
Interviews: Week beginning 9 February 2026 (Time TBC)

Scottish Disability Sport (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. SDS is particularly keen to ensure all disability groups and backgrounds are represented on the forum. Any reasonable adjustments required throughout the application process and for the duration of the forum will be met.

 

This is your chance to:

  • Advocate for inclusion and equality in sport and physical activity,
  • Advise on policies and programmes that matter,
  • Inspire the next generation of athletes and participants.

Your perspective matters. Together, we can create a sporting landscape where everyone
belongs. Our strategic plan, which directs our work, can be found on our website at
www.scotishdisabilitysport.com alongside our Call to Action which urges all our stakeholders to engage in meaningful change to remove barriers to sport and physical activity.

To apply, please submit a one-page cover letter or 1 minute video indicating your suitability for the role to: Mark Gaffney, SDS Head of Policy at: mark.gaffney@scottishdisabilitysport.com by 12pm on 4 February 2026.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Mark at the email above or by phoning 0131 317 1130.