The Officers' Association Scotland (OA Scotland) was founded in 1920 as a distinct branch of its sister Association in London, by Field Marshal The Earl Haig.
On demobilisation after the First World War hundreds of former officers found themselves in difficulties, unable to find a job, and sometimes with no money, shelter or means of support. Many were suffering from wounds. They had been selected for commissioned service because of the personal qualities but, sad to state, in the post-war period large numbers of them were destitute. Several had taken to playing barrel organs in the streets of Edinburgh displaying placards that they were ex-officers with wives and children to support, but without income and therefore down and out.
Throughout its existence OA Scotland has supported officers and their dependants in many ways, but it has consistently addressed helping officers find employment, providing advice and, in cases of need, financial support. In 2020 we were privileged to celebrate our centenary. We produced this video to celebrate not only our first 100 years but the many more to come. www.oascotland.org.uk/centenary.html
Throughout its existence OA Scotland has supported officers and their dependants in many ways, but it has consistently addressed helping officers find employment, providing advice and, in cases of need, financial support. In 2020 we were privileged to celebrate our centenary. We produced this video to celebrate not only our first 100 years but the many more to come. www.oascotland.org.uk/centenary.html
Vision
All Officers and their families across Scotland are supported to lead full and productive lives
Mission
We exist to provide lifelong support, resources, employment training and financial welfare assistance to officers and their families throughout their transition to civilian life and beyond to assist in their stability, security and independence
Core Values
- We are Professional going above and beyond the basics to deliver a personal and bespoke services
- We Respect the unique worth of every individual
- We Proactive, searching for new opportunities and connections for those we support
- We Encourage people to fulfil their potential
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Jo MaynardHead of Employment ServicesEx - Army Officer of 16 years and a decorated HR Director awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to Defence HR. Jo passionately lead teams to be the differentiator and become their best in L & D, Business Development, & Career Management.
Contact Jo Michelle Higgins Business Development Manager Ex - RAF Intelligence and later a Primary School Teacher. Combining her knowledge of the client cohort and the desire to help others, she is eager to help service learners and veterans find their new career. Michelle is responsible for raising OAS's profile through various marketing campaigns, liaising with military and civilian partners as well as planning and hosting a multitude of events for clients and employers. Contact Michelle Lynne Grant Finance Manager Lynne is a skilled and high-performing senior management professional with many years of diverse experience within both commerce and not for profit. She has extensive experience within numerous financial, accounting & operational fields. She thrives on developing and delivering business strategy and objectives and high quality pertinent management information, reporting and analysis. Contact Lynne |
The Board of Trustees
Andrew Herberts - ChairFormer army officer, now retired from his post military career in investment management. Andrew is also a Trustee of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Association and a board member of ECAS and Corra, two Edinburgh based charities.
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James BrydenFormer army officer and is now the Chief of Staff/ COO in Private Equity with Abrdn. James is the Chair of our Grants and Bursary Committee.
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Suzanne AndersonSuzanne retired from the Army as a Brigadier in 2021. She is a Chartered Companion of the Chartered Management Institute and a self-employed consultant. She is a member of our Finance Committee
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Emma Watson MackFormer army officer and now Development Director with Entrepreneurial Scotland and The Saltire Foundation. Emma is a member of our Finance and Investment Committee.
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Alistair MacDonaldAlistair has over 30 years of financial services experience primarily in international investment, working in globally. With a son currently serving he is a great believer in support for veterans.
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Sophie MifsudFormer army officer. Sophie is a Partnership Manager for Europe for Innovate UK; developing bilateral relationships across Europe and delivering support to innovative UK businesses looking to grow and scale internationally.
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Duncan HarwoodDuncan is a former army officer who specialises in risk management, currently working as a corporate risk manager for the Care Quality Commission.
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Liz McKinney-BennettFormer army officer, Liz is now the Defence Strategy, Planning and Comms Lead at Mott MacDonald. Liz is a member of our Grants and Bursary Committee
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Wendy QuinnWendy has vast experience working collaboratively and confidently across key government, charitable and commercial stakeholders with a diverse knowledge base. Passionate about supporting the Armed forces community having worked with Naval Families Federation as an Employment Policy Lead.
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Troy JohnsonFormer Royal Marine Commando, through unit posting with artic warfare unit, assault ship detachment and attached rank with SBS, Troy has pivoted the ‘Commando Mindset’ to become an established Cybersecurity Consultant Manager with a global Technology consultancy organisation.
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David GoodacreFormer Army officer, David is now a Transformation Director of Barclays. He is also Chair of the Board for Bravehound.
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