Meet Our Trustees
The Board of Trustees governs our organisation. Our Trustees have extensive knowledge of working in the charity and public sectors and have wide knowledge of children’s rights, literacy, creative writing, finance and management.
The Board of Trustees governs our organisation. Our Trustees have extensive knowledge of working in the charity and public sectors and have wide knowledge of children’s rights, literacy, creative writing, finance and management.
Susan Elsley is an independent writer and policy analyst on children’s human rights and wellbeing. She works with government, universities and the voluntary sector to make a difference to children’s lives. Susan has been Chair since 2017.
Simon Radcliffe is one of the founder members of Craigmillar Books for Babies. He is a retired specialist Children and Young People’s Librarian, professional Storyteller and Chair for children/teen authors and illustrators at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Ross McDonald is a Chartered Accountant and has a background working in finance across financial and audit roles. Ross lives in the Craigmillar community and joined the Board as Treasurer in 2021.
Dom Cairns-Gibson works in community and public engagement for higher education. He is a scientist and spends his time sharing his excitement for science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the Craigmillar community. He joined the board in 2023.
Alisa is a youth worker with a background in primary teaching and has a Masters in Children ‘s Literature and Literacies. Alisa embraces a wide understanding of literacy as a way of expressing ourselves in different ways.
Kate is an administrator in higher education and is studying to be a solicitor. She worked as a teacher for children aged 4-18 in Texas, USA, teaching French and Latin as well as directing the school operetta. She has lived in the Craigmillar area since 2022 and joined the board in 2025.
We have an enthusiastic and skilled team of sessional workers and volunteers who contribute to the organisation in many ways. Sessional workers and volunteers support our outreach programmes of activities and events, our bookgifting programmes and support the administration of the organisation.
Kara Whelan has been working as Project Manager of Craigmillar Books for Babies since 2003. Her main roles are leading and supporting the project team, funding and strategic development. She is passionate about bringing people together to achieve common goals.
Michelle Brennan-Jones joined Craigmillar Books for Babies as Development Worker in 2010. Her main roles include delivering our Family Support at Home programme, our Talking Together programme and our Bookgifting programme. She is passionate about the transformative power of books.
Katie Swann started her working life in public libraries and believes in the power of stories to change lives. She loves supporting children and young people to develop confidence and become more resilient. Katie has been Literacy Programmes Coordinator since 2020.
Our latest annual report and accounts are available here. Our Strategic Plan sets out our vision and our main areas of work for the next five years. You can read our plan here.
