Back in 2019, I heard WEAll Scotland Trustee Jane Morrison explaining the need for a Wellbeing Economy at an event for young Scottish leaders. Shortly after, I heard WEAll Scotland’s cofounder, Katherine Trebeck, speak at the launch of the Independent Care Review about the role of our economy in getting things right for children and families. Both Jane and Katherine opened my eyes and inspired me hugely and in April 2021 I was over the moon to become WEAll Scotland’s Director.
I have been privileged to spend my time at WEAll Scotland with passionate, wise, and kind people, all playing their part to build a more humane economy. Supporting our network of allies to grow across the country has been incredible - as has seeing people and organisations across Scotland step up and play their part to make this a reality.
I’m writing to let you know that, with a seriously heavy heart, I am leaving WEAll Scotland. I can’t tell you where I am moving to yet*, but one thing is for sure: my commitment to the Wellbeing Economy movement will live on in my next role, and throughout the rest of my career. WEAll Scotland will continue to always have my full support, even from afar.
I’ll be leaving the organisation in very capable hands as Aileen McLeod is stepping in as our interim director for six months.
Aileen brings to WEAll Scotland a wealth of experience, expertise and skills having served in the Scottish Government as a Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform; in the Scottish Parliament as MSP for South Scotland and member of the Environment, Health, and European committees; and in the European Parliament as an MEP representing Scotland and member of the Environment and Public Health committee.
Aileen has spent many years in public policy advocating for, advising on, and championing the Wellbeing Economy agenda both in Scotland and at the EU and international level. She participates in a number of European and international academic and policy networks researching and advocating the implementation of practical measures designed to advance the Wellbeing Economy agenda. Aileen has also developed links to WEAll Global in her role as a member of the Global Council where she provides policy advice and support to the work of WEAll’s Global team.
“I am very sorry to lose Jimmy, he has been an exceptional first Director and I wish him luck in his new role. I also know we will be in very safe hands with Aileen. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to work with such a brilliant, driven and caring Interim Director, together with the Board we will shape the organisation as we consider the future leadership of WEAll Scotland.”
- Doreen Grove, WEAll Board of Directors
In the meantime, I want to thank you all for the great privilege it has been to lead this organisation. I heard Jim McCormick from Robertson Trust say at an event recently that ‘change has never been this fast; but it will never be this slow again’. We are moving into seriously uncertain times and the work of WEAll Scotland in driving economic systems change has never been more important. I look forward to playing my part to make this a reality from my new role, and wish Aileen, the team, volunteers, board and allies, all the very best.
Jimmy Paul
WEAll Scotland, Director
*Announcement in September
