The chief executive and chair of a motor neurone disease (MND) charity in Scotland have left the 40-year-old organisation, which is struggling to survive in an “extremely challenging financial environment”.
Former chief executive Rachel Maitland and chair Adrian Murphy left MND Scotland last week, while its director of research Jane Haley was appointed interim CEO.
Meanwhile, Liz McRobb from Shepherd & Wedderburn and Callum Paterson from the University of Edinburgh were appointed interim co-chairs.
According to Companies House, Jack McInnes and Angharad Low were also both terminated as members of the charity’s board last week.
The charity has reported operating deficits of more than £1m in the past two years, recording an income of £2.70m and an expenditure of £4.07m in the year to March 2024.
A spokesperson said: “Like many charities, we are navigating an extremely challenging financial environment and it has become clear that immediate action is required to ensure the long-term stability of the charity.
“The wellbeing of our colleagues is our absolute priority and we shared the position with colleagues as soon as we were aware. We are now working closely with colleagues on a range of potential options.”
New CEO messages supporters
Haley said in a message to the charity’s supporters on Monday that the charity “is navigating an extremely challenging environment and we are in a difficult financial position”.
“Our colleagues, and the remaining trustees, are committed to fighting for the survival of MND Scotland, a charity with a 40-year legacy of providing vital support to people across Scotland living with motor neuron disease,” she said.
“We understand that hearing this news will be incredibly disappointing and frustrating, particularly as a supporter of the charity. We are sorry that we have been put in this position, and we share your disappointment and your frustration.
“We are already taking tough decisions that we believe will ensure the long-term stability of the charity, but we can’t do this without you. Please continue to support MND Scotland.”
The charity, which is mostly funded by donations, has urged supporters to donate to it during “this challenging period”.
Haley added: “As one supporter characterised our current situation, we are down but we are most definitely not out.”
The charity’s founder, Peigi Macleod, also shared a message with supporters: “It saddens me to hear of recent difficulties with MND Scotland, however, let us look forward.
“I have hope that by returning to the principles of care, commitment and understanding of this medical condition we will once again fly the flag of MND Scotland high, with determination and compassion.”
