David relocated from East Anglia to the Scottish Borders in 2022 after 18 years in the education sector as a senior leader specialising in curriculum and leadership development.  

David led numerous change management programmes and teams within the education sector, and he believes passionately in the merits of embedding a supportive coaching and mentoring culture within organisations to develop leaders at all levels and to prioritise staff health and wellbeing.  As Chief Officer at YouthBorders David’s vision is of a collaborative, well connected and supportive sector which champions and encourages each other’s successes.  He aims to develop a systems-thinking approach to leadership within the Youth Sector which places equity of opportunity and wellbeing of young people at the core of every leader’s decision making.  

Outside of work David is a keen sportsman and fitness enthusiast.  His passion is polar adventuring, and he enjoys spending time away on expeditions in the far north of Norway. He is also a keen historian and geographer and with any spare time he has left, he enjoys art, music, and reading historical novels.

Having recently completed her Asist training, Fiona is keen to improve mental health outcomes for young people in the Scottish Borders. With a passion for supporting young people and the workforce who support them. Fiona is keen to ensure all young people have access to a trusted adult and that all trusted adults feel equipped and supported to fulfill their role.

Mum to 2 teenagers and 3 cats. As well as working for Youth Borders, Fiona also works in further education and does 1:1 support work with Adults in the community. She volunteers for an Arthritis charity and is part of her local resident’s association. When not working or volunteering you are likely to find her watching live music, dancing and spending time with her friends and family.