The chief executive of a community support charity has stepped down as the organisation instigates a strategic review aimed at reducing costs.
The local infrastructure charity Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council said chief executive Bridie Ashrowan had decided to step down after three years.
It said it had appointed David Peace as interim chief executive and he would lead the charity alongside Claire Ritchie, who has been named interim strategic adviser to the board.
The charity, which provides services for charities to aid in poverty relief and the advancement of education, health and community development, said its strategic review was a chance to refocus on creating a “strong sector for a strong city” in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Against a background of decreased funding and increased running costs, EVOC is focused on reducing costs and delivering a balanced budget for the year ahead,” the charity said.
“This will include an analysis of the current organisational structure.”
EVOC said Ashrowan was leaving to concentrate on research interests around nature-based learning and biodiversity recovery.
“Bridie’s tenure at EVOC has brought many successes,” the charity said.
“She has been a strong advocate for investment in the community and voluntary sector, to support organisations through the ongoing cost crisis, and to strengthen sector capabilities to lead change.”
Peace is a mentor and interim executive at the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations and is on the board of the Tim Stead Trust.
Ritchie spent two years as chief operating officer at the Eric Liddell Centre and is vice-chair of the youth mental health charity U-evolve.
Peace said: “As interim chief executive, I will be working with staff, Claire and the board to refocus our efforts and ensure we continue to support voluntary and community groups in delivering core programmes and activities in the city.
“As a sector leader we remain focused on building a strong, sustainable and resilient future for our sector.
“I welcome engagement with the sector, partners and funders to help shape the way ahead collectively.”