John McLachlan

Interim Chief Executive Officer

John is Scope’s Interim Chief Executive, providing strategic leadership across the charity. Working in partnership with disabled people, colleagues and trustees to drive lasting change.

John joined Scope in 1987 as a Support Worker. Over the years, he has held a range of roles across the organisation. Always working closely with disabled people, their families and supporters. His career reflects a long-term dedication to social justice and disability equality. 

John has extensive experience in service design and organisational change. He played a pivotal role in Scope’s move away from regulated services. Helping Scope to reach more disabled people through campaigns to achieve long-term change.

Scope’s vision for social change is hugely important to John. He believes our services and campaigns show what's possible. That by working together with disabled people, we can end disability inequality. Until then, John is committed to ensuring information, advice and support is available.

John is also focused on raising the funds we need to achieve our ambitious goals. Alongside building strong partnerships and growing a movement for change. He is confident that by working together with disabled people, volunteers and supporters, we can achieve an equal future.

Kwesi Afful

Executive Director of Digital and Marketing

Kwesi joins us as the Executive Director of Digital and Marketing.

Kwesi has worked for the NHS in programme management for almost 17 years. Leading digital and engagement programmes.

He led the Digital Citizen Education programme for NHS North West London. The programme won an NHS Parliamentary award in 2017.

Kwesi has a long-term condition and a young son with autism. He says this makes him aware of how much the system needs to change to support disabled people better.

Louise Youngman

Executive Director of People

Louise joined Scope in February 2019 as Head of HR and stepped up to Executive Director of People in the summer of 2019. She is responsible for the overall people plan at Scope. Louise ensures Scope attracts, retains and develops great people to deliver its strategy.

Louise started her career in Retail, before moving into Housing. Prior to joining Scope, she held HR and Volunteering leadership roles at Royal National Institute of Blind People and National Deaf Children’s Society.

James Taylor

Executive Director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change

James joined Scope in 2016 as Head of Policy and has been in his current role since July 2020. He is responsible for Scope’s policy work, campaigning, research and insight as well as external communications.

James started his career in the Civil Service before moving into the charity sector. He has held campaigning and influencing roles at a number of organisations including Stonewall and Which? securing changes to laws, regulations and public attitudes.

James is disabled and has had Spina Bifida since birth.

Anna Burman

Chief Financial Officer

Anna joined Scope in August 2020. She is delighted to be working at Scope managing operational performance to enable the organisation to continue its work towards an equal future with disabled people.

Anna qualified as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG and spent the first part of her career there as an Audit Director advising a wide variety of clients. For 9 years Anna was Director of Finance at London and Partners, the international trade, investment and promotional agency for London. A not for profit company funded from public and private sources.

She is also a Trustee and Treasurer for the UK Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Amanda Mitchell

Executive Director of Fundraising

Amanda joined Scope in August 2022 as a Senior Fundraising Consultant. She worked closely with Mark and the fundraising team.

Amanda has over 20 years fundraising experience. She has worked with both large and small charities, including:

• RNLI
• Guide Dogs
• NSPCC

Amanda has held senior leadership roles in the charity and commercial sectors. These have included retail, financial services and travel.

She is passionate about people and creating change. She wants to deliver greater impact, through growth and innovation. Making the most of our fundraising income.