Girlguiding Scotland has today announced the appointment of Kim Atkinson as its new Chief Executive. She joins the organisation’s board of trustees, chief commissioner team, staff team and 9,000 volunteers in supporting 40,000 girls and young women across Scotland.
Kim will lead the organisation’s strategy, recognising the vital role volunteers play in delivering Girlguiding Scotland’s mission. The strategy is focused on innovation and inspiration, making volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland more attractive, more welcoming and even more rewarding.
Kim joins from the Scottish Sports Association, where she has served as CEO for 16 years, having previously been Chief Officer at Scottish Squash. She is also a trustee of both SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) and Foundation Scotland and previously chaired ACOSVO (the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations, now Charity Leadership Scotland).
Elaine Rough, Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Girlguiding Scotland, I’m delighted to welcome Kim as our new Chief Executive.
“She brings a wealth of experience from across Scotland’s voluntary sector, a strong understanding of volunteering, and a clear commitment to empowering girls and young women. We look forward to working with Kim to help even more girls know they can do anything, supported by our dedicated volunteers.”
Kim Atkinson said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of Girlguiding Scotland at a time when girls have never needed more support and inspiration to know they can do anything. Girlguiding Scotland is an organisation shaped by girls, for girls, and I am proud to become part of its future.
“If there is anything more inspiring than seeing girls achieve something they did not think was possible, it is helping them to do it. That means building confidence and skills, helping them find and amplify their voice, removing barriers, and showing them they can make a positive difference in the world.
“That is what makes Girlguiding unique, and the opportunity to play even a small part in that is truly compelling. Through Girlguiding, girls can find a place where they belong and can thrive.
“Reading the manifesto created by Girlguiding Scotland’s youth voice panel, Speak Out and learning that 1 in 3 girls feel sad most days, 79% experience anxiety, and 54% believe it will be difficult to progress in a male-dominated field, motivated me to join this movement.
“After 16 years of advocating to decision-makers across Scotland, I am deeply committed to helping empower this panel as they champion a better future for girls across the country.
“Like 1 in 3 women in Scotland, I am an alumna of the movement, and I strongly believe in the power of guiding to provide a unique and safe space where girls can have fun, be happy, and fulfil their potential. My experiences as a Brownie and Guide were immensely formative, and they sparked lifelong commitments to volunteering and women’s leadership.
“As Chief Executive, I look forward to working alongside our incredible volunteers and staff to deliver a shared vision of an equal world, where girls can find their voice, discover their best selves and make a positive difference, today, tomorrow and together.”
Kim will take up her role at Girlguiding Scotland in August when current CEO, Denise Spence, who has been CEO of Girlguiding Scotland since 2013, will retire.