The OCPAS team provides essential administration, finance, policy, and quality control support.

Karen has joined the team at OCPAS as Business Manager, looking after finance and audit, office management and public relations.

Following a degree in Archaeology and Ancient History, Karen joined a data management company and was seconded to BP Exploration. There, she was responsible for the safe storage and distribution of geophysical data.

After five years she changed tack and joined Betty Davies Ltd, Scotland’s leading corporate wear company. Initially employed to develop IT and office management systems, Karen’s remit grew, becoming Account Manager for leading clients and eventually General Manager.

Karen enjoyed her 10 years in the garment industry, observing the design process and developing logistics and project management skills. She still carries a tape measure in her handbag.

Changes in the manufacturing industry and itchy feet led her to seek out new challenges. The opportunity to join an organisation which aims to encourage Scottish citizens to take an active part in our public life was too good an opportunity to miss.

Karen lives with her partner in Edinburgh and still keeps up an interest in archaeology and history, as well as being a keen movie buff.

Ian has joined the team at OCPAS as Compliance Manager, looking after complaints, service level agreements and promoting the work of the office and compliance with the new Code of Practice.

Following an honours degree in Mental Philosophy, Ian moved to Edinburgh from the North East with his partner Fiona and took up a position as a general manager and company director for a small company that ran bar-restaurants. From there he moved to British Rail where he fulfilled a number of roles including Balance Control Accountant responsible for internal audit. Ian also took on the voluntary role of Secretary for the Local Labour Council and earned a reputation as an effective and fair negotiator.

After six years he worked for British Telecom for a period, setting up and running a resource centre for other staff affected by a TUPE transfer before taking on a one year contract to design and run a bespoke administrative system for Amnesty International. This led to an interest in the voluntary sector and a move to the Abbeyfield Society for Scotland Ltd. Following promotion from his first position there, Ian spent three years as Abbeyfield Scotland’s Chief Executive and worked closely with volunteers from communities across the length and breadth of Scotland in that capacity. Ian was also responsible for the recruitment and management of a team of volunteer Quality Standard Assessors and was wholly committed to ensuring that the Abbeyfield services were improved continuously. Based on his experience of working with communities across the country, Ian feels that there is a huge untapped resource of individuals with the talent and commitment to serve on public bodies. Consequently, he believes that the move to OCPAS will give him the chance to encourage these individuals and to participate in a public appointments process that is second to none.

Ian’s partner of 20 years, Fiona, works for the Official Report of the Scottish Parliament. They have no children or pets so take very good care of their houseplants. Scrabble games at home are ferociously competitive and not for the faint hearted. Ian’s main hobby is cooking and although Fiona and their friends often enjoy the results, she wishes he would set off the smoke alarm less frequently.