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Our Trustees

We’re very fortunate to be led by an amazing Board of Trustees. These dedicated individuals bring passion, knowledge, and experience to help Centred thrive and make a difference.

Our Board of Trustees provides governance, accountability, and long-term vision. They volunteer their time and expertise to ensure Centred is run responsibly and delivers on its mission for the communities we serve.

The role of the board of Trustees is to:

  • Develop and uphold the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
  • Shape our direction, strategy and planning.
  • Plan and maintain the structure and resources needed for our work.
  • Set policies and procedures for all our activities, including guidance for the board, volunteers and staff.
  • Put systems in place for reporting and monitoring.
  • Manage risk and responsibility and make sure we follow the guidance of our governing document, external regulators and the law.
  • Monitor our financial affairs to make sure they’re conducted and reported properly and accurately.

Our trustees generously give their time and expertise without payment, serving on a voluntary basis to support our mission.

We are always on the lookout for more trustees to join us. Scroll down to view our current trustees.

A Trustee to the Charity, Gordon Liddle

Gordon Liddle

Chair

Gordon began his career as a seabird scientist before spending further years in remote places working on terrestrial ecology and sailing in support of natural history film making. 12 Years of polar governance followed with a focus on setting exacting sustainable standards for fisheries and tourism. Gordon then became a Director at the University of Dundee promoting collaborations between the arts and science. Afterwards he moved to the Third Sector, supporting a mental health and arts charity, psychiatric units and throughout the Scottish Prison Service estate.  Now retired he is proud to contribute to Centred and has lived experience of childhood trauma induced mental health problems.
    A Trustee to the Charity Julie Marker

    Julie Marker

    Vice Chair

    Julie works as a consultant for charities and groups and also manages a small charity on a part time basis. Julie is passionate about the vision and values of Centred and the importance of peer support and how it plays a vital role in helping people achieve the best possible outcomes. Julie enjoys bringing people together, whether that’s to solve problems, share ideas, or to socialise. When she’s not working, she enjoys long walks with her dog.
      Phyllis from Clarity Walk

      Phyllis Finnie

      Trustee

      Phyllis’s career has included 17 years working as a mental health nurse before retiring and joining Centred as a board member. Phyllis has been involved in an initiative called Clarity Walks since it was set up in 2019 which provides free wellbeing walks in the Inverness region which is now run by Centred. Phyllis continues to be a key volunteer walk leader for Clarity Walks and to date the service has supported thousands of people of all ages and abilities improve their wellbeing in nature. Find out more about Clarity Walks.
        A Trustee to the Charity John Ross

        John Ross

        Trustee

        John is an award-winning journalist with over 40 years’ experience in the media and PR industry together with extensive knowledge of the Highlands. Born in Inverness, he started his career as a reporter with the Press and Journal, before taking up a role for The Scotsman. Since March 202, John has been a freelance PR manager and consultant. He is also chairman of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball, an annual event that brings together print, broadcast and digital media from across the region.
          A Trustee to the Charity Luthien Lark

          Luthien Lark

          Trustee

          Luthien is the Senior Regional Volunteer Development Officer and Lead of the Volunteer Academy at the Highland Third Sector Interface, supporting organisations to strengthen volunteering, develop practice and build volunteering capacity. Her background spans mental health services, lecturing in social care, and leading third sector projects focused on employability, training, and community development. As a Trustee, Luthien brings strategic insight, sector knowledge, and a commitment to compassionate, community‑led support across the Highlands.
            Photo of Emma Roddick MSP smiling and standing in front of a church

            Emma Roddick

            Trustee

            Emma Roddick is a SNP politician and has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Highlands and Islands since 2021. She was one of the youngest candidates seeking election, and the youngest MSP elected. Emma has first-hand experience of mental ill-heath and has been instrumental in speaking out to the Scottish Parliament to ensure that when mental health is being debated politicians are not just speaking in the vague terms of anxiety and depression but considering conditions beyond this.