Our Board includes a number of Centre Users ensuring that the Centre is always in tune with the needs of the community it serves. At present, there are two Centre users on the board which meets quarterly. We also hold an AGM and open meeting annually. If you would like more details about attending, please contact us. We are proud to have service users represented at board level. The Centre has always been guided by the needs of the different communities that use it.
Our constituted Centre User Group meets quarterly and there is representation from the wide range of people who use The Centre. Centre User and Centre Trustee, Matt Davies. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Centre User Group please contact Sandy Gillone.
Forth Valley Sensory Centre is an equal opportunities employer. We endeavour to make sure that our Centre Users are accurately reflected in the skills of our team. All staff undertake sighted guide training to ensure they are able to welcome and assist our Centre Users in the best way possible. We also have a number of BSL users in our staff team and all staff are encouraged to learn basic BSL.
Our Staff Team
Jacquie Winning MBE
Chief Executive
An experienced and visionary Chief Executive leading FVSC with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals with sensory needs. Responsible for the overall running of the Sensory Centre, services, and strategic partnerships. In conjunction with her leadership team, Jacquie ensures that the charity not only thrives but continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community. With a solid background in both Public and Third Sector Management, Jacquie brings a unique blend of creativity, practicality, and solution-focused leadership to the role
Jayne Brown
Known for my positive outlook and commitment to going above and beyond, I build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners, and service users. As Development Manager, I aim to lead with empathy, strengthen community connections, and deliver lasting impact.
With 20 years of experience in the charity sector, I’m passionate about empowering clients, volunteers, and teams to reach their full potential. I place wellbeing at the core of my approach and thrive on creating meaningful, person-centred support that drives growth and inclusion.
Jamie McKay
No organisation can run without suppliers and making sure that income streams are properly managed. Jamie deals with all incoming and outcoming finance. Jamie is will most likely be the first friendly voice or face you see at our welcome desk! Whether you need help booking the sensory room or help with an invoice, Jamie's here to help.
Sandy Gillone
As the Operations Manager, Sandy is responsible for the safe running of the Centre and ensuring that all services being provided are of the highest quality. In order to achieve this, he welcomes feedback from all Centre Users. Sandy manages the Centre staff who provide the café, reception, finance, fundraising, volunteering and groups services. He also supports Jacquie to achieve the strategy agreed by the Board of Trustees and to further the aims of the Centre. Sandy has almost 20 years of operational management experience in hospitality and higher education settings and worked for a volunteer-led charity before joining the Centre team.
Rowan Ferguson
Rowan is often the face of our Centre and is regularly found at our 'Welcome Desk' greeting visitors, assisting with any booking queries, showing people to rooms, groups, classes and events as well as supporting all our staff with their administration and communication needs.
Currently learning BSL, Rowan is also able to help visitors get the most from our Tech Hub and directs people to the various partners and support services within the building.
Caroline Nisbet
Caroline is responsible for organising, developing and delivering social activities for groups of people with Sensory Loss in Forth Valley Sensory Centre and at outreach locations within Forth Valley. Having worked in Health settings in the past, she is keenly aware of the barriers people with sensory loss experience in their day-to-day lives. She is therefore passionate about accessibility and inclusion and delivering The Centre's support to as many people as possible. Caroline has level 2 BSL and will always make time to chat to Centre Users so please stop her and say hi! Caroline is also happy to hold longer, one-to-one chats if you'd like to share your feedback or ideas.
Melissa Condie
Melissa is responsible for planning and running activities and outings for our Youth Group. The Youth Group aims to provide a safe space for young people with sensory loss to develop confidence and friendships through participation in a wide range of activities. She also facilitates a Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers of young people who are deaf or have hearing loss. This provides an opportunity to share knowledge, experience, issues and feelings in a safe and understanding environment. Melissa will be working to develop youth and family provision for young people with sensory loss across Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire.
Laura Cluxton
As Sight Loss Ambassador, Laura's role is to reach out to communities and people with a sensory condition across Forth Valley. Advocating for greater inclusion and equality as well, highlighting the challenges sensory loss can bring to daily lives and sharing advice on sight loss awareness is all in a day's work for Laura. She is available to speak to schools and community groups so if you'd like to arrange a visit from Laura, you can email her here.
Carol Dawson
Carol manages the day to day running of our Cafe. A baker by trade, Carol has helped our Cafe reach new levels, providing catering for events small and large within the Centre. Renowned for fantastic shortbread, tablet and fruit platters, Carol would be happy to discuss catering or hospitality needs for your event at Forth Valley Sensory centre.
David Black
David is the Centre cook and is responsible for preparing fresh soup and tasty specials such as Macaroni or Chicken Pie on a daily basis. David ensures our food complies with our Healthy Living Award recommendations, so you can be sure that fat, salt and sugars are reduced wherever possible without compromising taste. His signature dish is perhaps his simple but ‘stick to the ribs’ Lentil Soup, a firm favourite in the cafe. David also teaches personal safety and martial arts style fitness as well as passing on his cooking skills to other Centre Users on a voluntary basis.
Tom Hutchens
Tom works in our Café alongside Carol. Famed for his Lemon Drizzle cake and general baking, Tom is a welcoming, smiling face for customers and is always happy to help!
Bruce Stewart
Bruce is happy to help however he can. You'll most often see Bruce working hard in the café or helping David make our fresh daily soup and cakes. Say hello next time you stop by!
Duncan McPhee
Duncan is responsible for ensuring all areas in and around the Centre are kept clean and tidy. He ensures that all communal areas are sanitised regularly and that The Centre is ready to welcome its Users at the start of every day. Duncan also volunteers for The Centre so you're very likely to meet him in one role or the other. Feel free to stop him and say hello!
Jenn Pow
Jenn is a retired Head of Audiology Services. Through this experience, and having been based in The Centre for many years, Jenn has a wealth of knowledge about sensory loss. Jenn has rejoined the team to support our work delivering sensory awareness information to schools and businesses throughout Forth Valley.
Our Trustees
Pat Reid
Pat has chaired our board since its inception! Pat was the Labour Councillor for Falkirk South ward from 2002 - 2018 and was the Provost for Falkirk from 2007 - 2017. His connection with Falkirk Council extends back to 1959 when, still a boy, he worked in the mansion house on the site of the current municipal buildings at Westbank. His career did take him to other places, including a spell in Canada, but he returned to Falkirk Council in 1972, eventually becoming head of administration.
As a councillor, Pat has always tried to persuade others to reach consensus and his peers say his knowledge has often been invaluable in countless situations. Pat is also involved with other local projects and is dedicated to improving the lives of all Forth Valley residents.
Campbell Chalmers
Campbell joined RNIB 8 years ago and currently works as the Strategic Engagement Lead for the Third Sector supporting RNIB’s relations with charity partners. Before this, he was a registered nurse in learning disabilities and adult nursing working in the NHS for over 25 years, specialized in stroke and became the first Stroke Nurse Consultant in Scotland.
Campbell brings his experience in senior charity and healthcare roles with a broad complimentary portfolio of skills, knowledge, and experience. He has a passion and commitment to FVSC’s purpose and in making a positive difference for individuals who have sensory loss. Campbell gains a great deal from being a Trustee, including: a richer understanding of the lived experience of sensory loss, the strategic and operational activities of a charity, the governance structures, and the insight into a local organisation operating as part of a community.
Teri Devine
Teri is the Associate Director for Inclusion and Employment at RNID working for the rights, equality, and inclusion of people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus. She has always had a keen interest in the development and growth of the Centre as both of her parents are profoundly deaf BSL users and she is a native sign language user.
Teri has a wide and diverse range of skills developed over 40 years employment experience with over 20 years in the deaf sector including service development, staff and volunteer management, finance, and strategic planning. Dedication, commitment, and trustworthiness are other values that she brings to the Board. Being a trustee keeps her close to the community and the needs of the community, allowing her to get involved in a cause close to her heart and make a positive impact.
Ian Carmichael
As I am BSL user, I want to be involved with the Board's decisions about The Centre especially in relation to the Deaf Community. I can contribute by representing the views of the Deaf Community.
I was the first member of the Board when it was established in 2003. I served on the Board for 10 years during which time I gained experience of volunteering on behalf of the Deaf Community. I understand views and perspectives from the Deaf Community and can support the Board with decisions which impact on them. I have gained the experience from my first term as a Trustee and I continue to learn from the present term.
Jo MacQueen
Jo currently works with RNIB Scotland as their PR & Communications Manager, and has previous experience working in communications and marketing within health, global development, and sensory charities. Jo became a trustee of FVSC because she resonates with the strong community and inclusion work the Centre carries out. She is passionate about breaking down the barriers to people with sensory impairment and being a trustee enables her to support work in this community.
Her role has given her an opportunity to hear and share the stories of those within the sight loss community. Through this, Jo has valuable insight into advocating for inclusion and accessibility for those with sensory loss. As an FVSC Trustee, I am committed to using my communications and marketing experience to raise awareness, build partnerships, and champion the Centre’s work towards a thriving community for individuals with sensory loss.
Paula James
Paula is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and currently serves as a Financial Controller at a start-up Scottish bank. With over 25 years’ experience, Paula brings a wealth of financial expertise to the role as Treasurer, with experience across financial management, accounting, strategic planning and governance. Her professional background spans across diverse industries, including both public and private sector, proving a wide perspective on financial stewardship.
Paula joined the Board as Treasurer to take the opportunity to use the skills gained across her career to support the fantastic work of The Centre. In addition, she is looking forward to gaining a better understanding of the needs of people living with a sensory loss, in order that not only can she support the work that The Centre does, but also take that knowledge into her daily life.
James Adams
I have long admired the superb community-based approach and service offered by FVSC over the years, and when the opportunity arose, I wanted to make a contribution and support the future development of services for blind and partially sighted and deaf and hard of hearing people.
I have worked in the Sensory Sector for nearly 20 years with RNIB Scotland, and I am currently the Director. I have also served as a trustee on many other charities and organisations.
I also have insight into the relationships with public authorities through my time of being an elected Councillor.
I have strong experience of Charity operations and management, as well as knowledge of the regulatory environment. With a wide network and considerable experience across a range of disciplines, I hope to be able to bring in additional perspective and I am committed to person centered services recognising individual’s needs in service design.
The opportunity to serve as a trustee brings a great responsibility to work with the charity through the next few years. Being able to contribute my skills and experience is a privilege, and I hope to be able to be part of a trustee team that build the FVSC from strength to strength.
Matt Davies
Matt’s relationship with The Centre began in 2022 when he signed up to become a volunteer with the IT classes. Due to his lived experience of sight loss, he has since made use of The Centre’s services and is a member of the Braille Group and the Book Group.
Matt has been involved in a range of projects and working groups at The Centre and he is passionate about the service it provides. In addition to being a trustee, Matt is also the Chair of the Centre User Group and he acts a conduit between the Group and the Board to support The Centre’s goal of continuous improvement. Matt has 37 years’ experience working in local authorities and the voluntary sector. Laterally, his focus was on quality assurance and service improvement and The Centre benefits greatly from his skills and expertise in these areas.
Maureen Smith
The Sensory Centre resonates with me because of its strong ethos, based on effective communication and its sensory focus. Maureen joined the FVSC Board as a Trustee because she wanted to contribute to the Centre’s vision and to make a difference; to support my fellow lip readers, as well as all those living with sensory loss for whom the Centre is of such a benefit.
Maureen worked in education for 40 years, mainly in psychology and in special needs. The specific skills Maureen bring to the Board, are rooted mainly around her communications skills, which have included managing teams and conflict resolution. Maureen can also support developing strategic communications plans that align with the Centre’s goals. Maureen would say that she has leaned a great deal from other members of the Board and as a Trustee, she continually applies her current knowledge and well-honed skills to the Centre’s vision. She hope that in the process that she has become an effective and valuable trustee.