MENTAL CAPACITY CONSULTANT & TRUST CHAIR

As Director of EX-PG Ltd Sandra McDonald offers independent mental capacity/incapacity advice and training to lawyers, social care professionals, and organisations in all sectors, drawing on 14 years as Public Guardian for Scotland. She has personal experience as a carer of a person with dementia. Sandra holds qualifications in law, public sector management and nursing. Sandra was consultant on adults with incapacity to the Scottish Mental Health and Incapacity Law Review.

Sandra is a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s mental health and disability law subcommittee, whose remit includes assuring the law supports people with dementia. She served as a Trustee of the Lewy Body [dementia] Society, and as a Board Member of the charity Garvald Edinburgh. She provides specialist advice to the Centre for Mental Health and Capacity Law at Napier University and to Hourglass Scotland (formerly Action on Elder Abuse).

CHURCH MINISTER

Rev Nigel Robb, Minister of the Church of Scotland, lately Presbytery Clerk of St Andrews.

Nigel was a lecturer in St Andrews University and University of Perth, Western Australia, and held an administrator role in Edinburgh. He is a graduate of Glasgow University and Princeton University.

Rev Robb has written several books on preaching, worship, and pastoral care issues in relation to the process of grief and death. He undertook the Design for Dementia course at the Iris Murdoch Centre and subsequently has written a short guide for churches who wish to become dementia friendly and accessible for older people - a friendly and inclusive guide which is available on the Trust website. Nigel advises the Church on issues related to buildings. He acted as administrative secretary to the Trust for a number of years.

CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN (RETIRED) IN GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Dr Peter Murdoch FRCP (Edin & Glasg). Has been a Trustee in a variety of roles for the Trust since 1988.

He was Convener (1997-2003) during a time of great change and innovation. Dr Murdoch combined this with being a Consultant Physician NHS Forth Valley 1983-2014 and lastly Executive Director NHS Forth Valley. He was the Chair of the Scottish Branch of British Geriatrics Society 2001-3 and sometime member of national working parties on Dementia, Care Standards and Services for Older People.

Peter was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Stirling in recognition of his service to older people, people with dementia, and the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Ross Clarke CA has been a Trustee and Treasurer since May 2017.

Ross qualified as a chartered accountant at KPMG LLP and works in debt capital markets advisory in London. Ross is responsible for all financial management and banking matters of the Trust.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

Yvonne McAulay has over 25 years’ experience in Relationship Management, within the Music and Banking sectors, as a Consultant for a membership group and currently, as an Executive Assistant & Pupil Travel Coordinator at Glenalmond College in Perth.

She has been involved in charitable work throughout her career.

NHS CONSULTANT DOCTOR

Dr Katie Paramore is a consultant in Older Adult Mental Health. Her knowledge and understanding of the current position of health and social care policy and practice is essential to the work of the Trustees.

PROFESSOR OF APPLIED HEALTH RESEARCH

Edward is Professor of Applied Health Research and Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, UK. With a clinical background in occupational therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mental health, Edward has spent the last 25 years undertaking applied health research to improve people’s lives and health and social care systems.

His current research focuses on complex intervention development and theory-led evaluation of mental health, pre-hospital emergency care, allied health & related global health interventions and systems. As well as being a Trustee of the Dementia Trust, he is also a Trustee of the Scotland Malawi Partnership

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Linda is a Chartered Accountant qualifying with Ernst & Young, Aberdeen.   She has over 30 years experience in the finance sector having worked in Bermuda, New York, London and Edinburgh over this period.  Linda is an experienced Relationship Manager with extensive experience in Fund Administration, Investment Operations and Cash Management. 

She has a successful track record in leading complex transformational change. Linda Jane has also been involved in employee development programs and is passionate about employee satisfaction, diversity and inclusion.

TRUST ADVISER

Sonia Mangan is a vibrant leader with a heart for healthcare, policy, and community. With over 25 years of experience, Sonia's journey began at the bedside as a nurse, where she learned the value of person-centred care. Since then, she's taken on roles that allow her to make a real difference in people's lives.

As the former CEO of Carers Support West Sussex, Sonia led a spirited team in securing vital funding and reshaping the organisation to better support unpaid carers. Her strategic vision and collaborative spirit created lasting change across Sussex, touching the lives of countless individuals.

With a Master's Degree in Dementia Studies and a knack for company direction, Sonia brings a unique perspective to her consultancy work. Whether advising the Dementia Trust or partnering with care and health organisations, she's always driven by a desire to make things better for those who need it most.

Sonia's journey isn't just about work – it's about connection and community. When she's not busy making waves in the professional world, you can find her traveling with her partner and beloved cockapoo, singing her heart out in choirs, or getting involved in local drama groups.
With Sonia, it's not just about the impressive experience of leading five Charity teams over the last 25 years– it's about the genuine passion and warmth she brings to everything she does. So, if you're looking for someone who's not only skilled but also genuinely cares, Sonia Mangan is your go-to person.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Deborah has gained extensive administrative experience through working in the financial sector and freelancing as an PA. She has a qualification in Business Administration. She began her working life in a solicitors office and has had a passion for property ever since; having assisted in numerous property transactions.

Deborah has personal experience as a carer of a person with dementia, which has led to a keen interest in support and research focused on dementia treatment and improving the overall quality of life for those with dementia and their carers.

Deborah joined the team in 2024 as Administrative Officer for the Trust. She assists the Trust Chair,  handles board meeting scheduling and session set-up details along with various other administrative tasks.

DIGITAL DESIGN & SOCIAL

John is a designer and content strategist with experience working across a wide range of industry sectors during his career.

Having spent the past 12 years as a contract and freelance digital and web designer, John now works primarily with non-profit and charitable organisations to help them get the most from their online and digital comms.

Exploring ideas, technology and design, through ethical and responsible practice, is at the centre of what John aims to achieve.