Who We Are And What We Do
The Self-Directed Support Forum East Renfrewshire is your local resource for information and advice on all aspects of Self-Directed Support (SDS).
We were formed in 2011 by a small group of service users and carers.
Now with funding from the Scottish Government, we have grown into an independent and informed organisation for others to turn to for advice, to share experiences and to feel supported around all aspects of SDS
We provide independent information for anyone who is thinking about directing their own support or that of someone they care for. We also support individuals and families who are already directing an existing social care package.
Our mission is that people have the choice and control to live more independently.
To Help Us In Our Mission We
Provide good quality practical information
Encourage and enable the sharing of experiences
Allow people to feel supported around all aspects of SDS
Connect individuals to relevant organisations
Our Board Members
Marlene Harkis
Chairperson
Hello I`m Marlene – I am a consultant working with the Digital Health and Care innovation Centre. I originally trained as an occupational therapist and later worked in social care as a senior manager in Glasgow and Ayrshire, with a focus on adult services and transforming older people’s services.
I have significant experience of collaborating with people using services and staff to transform models of support. This has included digital transformation, and I have championed this in the different leadership roles she has held over the years. I am also passionate about continuous professional development and in addition to my original professional qualification have returned to study and gained a MBA and MSc in digital health and care. I am also a strong advocate of choice and empowerment for vulnerable citizens and am currently the chairperson of East Renfrewshire’s Self-directed support Forum.
Gillian Burns
Vice Chairperson
Hello I`m Gillian – I am a project manager and delivery specialist with expertise in large-scale digital implementation. I have extensive experience leading digital transformation projects, particularly in the health sector and within the Scottish Government. I am passionate about service development and design. I focus on improving digital services to enhance user experience and efficiency. I thrive on driving organisational and project efficiencies, leveraging Agile methodologies to deliver impactful results. I am currently the Vice Chairperson for SDS Forum. In my spare time I am passionate about fitness and love a good challenge!
Graham Smith
Treasurer
Hello I`m Graham – I have been involved with Self Directed Support East Renfrewshire as Treasurer since its inception in 2013.
I was an Independent Financial Planner until my retirement in 2024.
I used Self Directed Support to assist my wife in caring for herself and had nothing but admiration for the care that resulted from its use and enhanced my wife’s lifestyle enormously.
I personally have been involved in assisting people with their preferred lifestyles
Ashleigh Milroy
Secretary
Hello I`m Ashleigh – I have been on the Self-Directed Support Forum since 2018. I have had my own budget since the test sit, in 2010. Self-directed support transformed my life, I was able to choose how I live my live. I live in Edinburgh since going to university to study Psychology and Sociology in 2012. It is my passion that people with disabilities, and their carers have knowledge of self-directed support. I understand how important it is, but also how challenging it can be, and I am passionate about using my lived experience to enrich the lives of others.
Ruth Levey
Board Member
Hello I`m Ruth – I got involved with the SDS forum East Renfrewshire due to founder member Bernice Lipton as she introduced me to the benefits of Self Directed Support which I used to support my later husband at home.
I wanted to give something back to this important organisation and whilst my background is in Education, I worked closely with our late chairperson Morag Wilson proof reading documents, polices etc.
I take a proactive role in the forum; particularly enjoying the informal Tuesday coffee mornings meeting members and hope to continue doing so
Marion Brown
Board Member
Hello I`m Marion – I worked in Care for over 20 years in a large charitable organisation in East Renfrewshire. I have also cared for family members through illness and difficult times.
I retired 8 years ago and held registered manager responsible for services supporting people who have a diagnosis of Mental Health, Learning disability and Dementia
I was invited onto the board by a previous colleague and met with the chairperson of the board also. I have been a trustee on the Self Direct Support Board for 8 years now as being retired I still have an interest in people achieving their outcomes with our support.
I enjoy gardening, reading, and being involved in my 4 grandchildren’s lives. I enjoy being on the board and hearing about the work the enthusiastic staff do.
Shona Cherry
Board Member
Hello I`m Shona – I’ve been involved with SDS forum East Renfrewshire since its inception from being a group of parents to becoming the forum and employing staff etc. Both my children received and benefited from Self Directed Support and I’m now supporting four family members so unfortunately time is limited, and I can’t be as involved as I would like.
My background is in paediatric nursing, and I enjoy music and walking the dogs when I can fit this in.
Roberto De Marco
Board Member
Hello I`m Roberto – I have been using SDS for several years since becoming quadriplegic due to a spinal cord injury. SDS enabled me to return to university and re-enter the workforce.
So when I was invited to join the board in 2017, I saw it as a great opportunity. By supporting the SDS forum in East Renfrewshire, I hoped to help others in similar situations discover and benefit from SDS, just as I have.
The Board meet regularly and set the strategic direction for our organisation. They are responsible for ensuring we are governed and managed appropriately.
Main Team
Veronica Dunn
SDS Manager
Hello I`m Veronica – I have worked in various roles within both local government and the charity sector. I joined the Self Directed Support Forum in 2017 as an Information and Development Officer and in 2024 took over as Manager. Prior to this I was employed by East Renfrewshire Heath and Social Care partnership for 17 years in community health roles. I am passionate about helping clients and carers navigate the social care system to ensure they get the best support possible, and consequently maximise their quality of life.
Amanda Heggie
Information and Development Officer
Hello I’m Amanda – I joined the SDS Forum team in August 2024. I have a strong commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and rights for all members of communities. I have experience working in a variety of areas and settings and hold a BA in Community Education. As a remote worker, I can schedule in-person meetings with service users or conduct meetings over the phone or by video conference.
Debbie Lamont
SDS Coordinator
Hello I’m Debbie – I work mostly with those who want to have more control of their SDS budget by getting a direct payment (option1). I can chat with you about how employing a PA works or selecting a care agency that you can use with your SDS budget. I also work on our brokerage project which accepts and allocates people’s SDS budgets – helping those who would prefer not to manage their budgets themselves. I have recently completed an advocacy course and can advocate on your behalf during the SDS assessment/review process should you need this, and I can also assist with raising formal complaints.
Molly Mulhern
Information and Development Officer
Hello I’m Molly – I joined the team in 2024. I have a strong passion for networking and working closely together to create the best, individual outcomes for our clients. I also really enjoy event organising and working with young people. I have gained a HND of Higher Education in Education Studies and have had experience working with a variety of young people and different organisations within East Renfrewshire. This role has given me an opportunity to develop my understanding of social care, and I look forward to supporting any clients I work with.
Sessional Staff
Lynne Rankin
Sessional Administrator
Hello I’m Lynne – I joined the Team in February 2025 after nearly 30 years with East Renfrewshire Council in the Social Work Department. I was also previously involved in the PA project, setting up the website and a nationwide survey for PA’s and then organising training for them and PA employers.
Gerry Tougher
Sessional Administrator
Hello I’m Gerry – I joined the Team in February 2025 after working for 26 years with East Renfrewshire Council – from the then Social Work Department to the current Health and Social Care Partnership.
My interest has always been about getting the public informed and involved in how their health and social care services are designed and delivered locally.
Nial Gillies
Sessional Administrator
Hello I’m Niall – I joined the Team in February 2025 after 10 years with the Shaw Trust as a National Enterprise administrator amongst other related roles. I’ve also spent a similar time previously within the charity and disability sector on NHS funded projects to better provide greater Glasgow with disability related advice and signposting.