Our board

Samantha Bedford, Convener and Treasurer

Samantha has worked in digital innovation for over 20 years with brands such as Match.com and Vodafone. More recently Samantha was responsible for innovation and new ways of working at Virgin Money. She is a passionate advocate of women in technology and is a trustee with Scotland Women in Technology. Samantha is also a mindfulness teacher. She enjoys running, yoga and vegan cooking and strives to live as sustainably as she can.

Claire Fleming, Vice-Convener

Claire is a communications professional specialising in the third sector, having previously worked at Cancer Research UK, National Lottery Good Causes and Diabetes UK. Currently with Mental Health Foundation, Claire works to ensure effective communications enable the organisation to fulfil its objectives. This includes raising awarness about mental health problems and prevention methods as well as campaigning for improved care and equality of access to good mental health. Claire is a Chartered Member of the CIPR.

Jenifer Johnston

Jenifer is the Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Colleges Scotland. She is a highly experienced communications and political expert, with previous roles at the Scottish Human Rights Commission, Scottish Government, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Bid Team, and with the Scotland Stronger in Europe campaign. Jen was previously a Board Member at West College Scotland. Her career began in journalism at the Sunday Herald newspaper and is an occasional contributor for the Sunday Times Scotland, the Sunday National and Reform Scotland blog. She is passionate about tackling inequality and building a fairer Scotland.

Polly Jones