Leading the finance and general operations function within the Social Bite Group, comprising of The Social Bite Fund (parent and registered charity), Social Bite Ltd, Social Bite Restaurants Ltd and Social Bite Communities Ltd. Social Bite is on a mission to end homelessness in Scotland. You’ve probably heard of Social Bite them through events such as Sleep in the Park or the CEO Sleepout, or maybe just enjoyed a drink or a sandwich in one of their shops or restaurant in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen (even George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Prince Harry have popped by). All of this has enabled Social Bite to provide annually over 100,000 items of free food and drink to those who are homeless; to construct a purpose built village in Granton, Edinburgh and to commit £3m towards a national Housing First program in Scotland, working alongside the Scottish Government. Having joined on a temporary part time contract to evaluate the finance function and provide a future strategy, I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to become a full-time member of the Social Bite team as Group Finance Director. The role I carry out is one that has variety which provides both excitement and stretch on a daily basis in what is an innovative and unique group with charitable good at its heart. The core of my role is obviously finance, bringing greater internal rigour through the creation of an internal team as we bring the finance function in-house. My wider operational experience has also allowed me to take on further responsibilities, leading and supporting others in the areas of HR, internal compliance, infrastructure and managing risk. There is also regular engagement with Trustees and Directors as we work together to deliver positive outcomes for the group and protect the interests of those we are there to support.

Providing in-house financial expertise to the Social Bite Fund (registered charity) and associated businesses - Social Bite Ltd, Social Bite Restaurants Ltd and Social Bite Communities Ltd.

I quickly progressed from joining as Finance Manager, to become Director of Finance and then bringing business operations under my remit.Remarkable is a company limited by guarantee, therefore does not distribute any profits that it makes, but instead re-invests them within the business. Whilst owned by the public sector, Remarkable is run on commercial business principles, generating sales from new and existing clients to cover running costs and invest in future service development.The main objective of my role was to provide the organisation with a sound and effective financial and operational base, one that met the needs of clients, both internally and externally. I was part of the senior management team and provided quarterly updates to the Board and to key partners as required. I had responsibility for the general business operations that oversee day to day work with our clients and during this period have seen business income targets met, whilst supporting a team that had gone through change as the business evolved. The key to this was always to listen and encourage, whilst empowering others to take on responsibility for the decisions that they were in the best position to make. I also took the lead on contract negotiations, amending and drafting agreements and achieving deals that have a positive outcome for Remarkable.

I was a member of the Board of Trustees that met every 6 weeks and was invited to join 2 other sub-committees - Social Enterprise and Remuneration. I aimed to use my skills, experience and professional knowledge to support the charity in achieving their aims and objectives, whilst forming a good working relationship with the other Trustees.