Meet the Team

Our team are our greatest asset, and they work in diverse roles to support and develop the third sector, people and communities across Inverclyde. We are a Fair Work First employer and commit to Scotland’s Fair Work principles.

The Staff Team

Charlene Elliot

Chief Executive Officer

I joined CVS Inverclyde in 2019 as Chief Executive and work with the Board to set the strategy and provide leadership support to colleagues. My job is to advance the role of the third sector in Inverclyde by working closely with our members. I am a member of local strategic partnerships and previously held senior roles in national charities.

Vicki Cloney

Partnership Facilitator

I joined the CVS Inverclyde team in 2019. I have a background in healthcare and quality improvement and a passion for integrated care. As the Partnership Facilitator, my role promotes the relationships and collaborative working between third sector organisations and public sector partners to further the local third sector’s contribution to Inverclyde’s health and wellbeing.

Elaine Cannon

Lead Community Link Worker

My role involves supporting Inverclyde’s CLWs, planning developments and providing direct patient support when required. I liaise closely with HSCP colleagues and compile reports on the activity of the team. My background is varied, having worked in justice services, family support and recovery services. I enjoy seeing what a valued difference our input can make to local people by providing social prescribing through the GP practices.

Brenda Cox

Community Link Worker

I have a background in Childcare and Education, families with disabled children, Carers and people with learning disabilities. Daily I engage with patients with social and economic issues. I enjoy the diversity, learning, partnerships, trust and outcomes in my role.

Elaine McKendrick

Community Link Worker

I trained as a mental health nurse and worked for many years within mental health across several different projects including supported accommodations, daycare and employability services. I joined CVS in 2017 to become part of the Community Link Worker Team. I enjoy the variety of people we work with, the great team and partnering with services in Inverclyde.

Margaret Mitchell

Community Link Worker

I live in Inverclyde and have worked in various third sector services over the past 20 years. I joined CVS in 2017 and I am one of the original Community Link Workers. Based in 2 local GP surgeries I enjoy assisting patients with resolving social issues.

Valerie Shepherd

Community Link Worker

My background has been working within the social care field, in a wide variety of settings. As Community Link Worker, I am based in two local GP surgeries and get referrals for patients who require non-medical support. I provide emotional and practical support and, when a need is apparent, I refer people to local resources to help enhance their situations.

Anna Kane

Community Link Worker

My background is working with children and families in an ASN education setting. I work in several practices within Inverclyde as my role is peripatetic, this allows me to meet people from all walks of life within my own community. My favourite part of my role is that no two days are the same. I enjoy that I am able to provide practical and emotional support to positively impact the lives of the patients I work with.

Cheyne McWilliam

Community Link Worker

I originally trained as a registered nurse for the learning disability register. I have worked as a Community Link Worker in Inverclyde since 2024 and have thoroughly enjoy my post as it is very diverse. My role is to support patients from two GP practices by social prescribing, signposting and linking patients into appropriate identified supports and partnership working.

Jim Reilly

Community Link Worker

I have worked in health and social care for 20 years, providing support in the community and in people's own homes. I joined CVS in April 2025 and am currently based in both medical practices in Kilmacolm. Here, I work closely with patients, healthcare professionals, and third-sector organisations to ensure individuals can access the services they need to live as independently and meaningfully as possible.

Pauline Kerr

Community Link Worker

I joined the Community Link Worker Team in 2024. Prior to this I worked for 24 years in Social Care supporting Adults with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Issues, Criminal Justice, Addictions and Homelessness. I work in two Medical Practices supporting patients with non-medical issues affecting their health and wellbeing. I enjoy social prescribing and signposting people towards positive outcomes.

Lorraine Campbell

Community Link Worker Assistant

I joined the team in April 2025 after graduating from UWS with a BA Hons in Social Work. I receive referrals directly from Community Link Workers to support with tasks that do not require the skillset of the team themselves. I support the sharing of Community Link Worker updates and maintain the resource database to ensure up to date and reliable information is being shared with patients.

Tony Lockey

Programme Lead

My role is to project manage the funded work we do in the Inverclyde Community through the expertise and motivation of the wonderful team here. We focus on improving the environment, health and the cultural standards this great area has and also making the work we do sustainable and life affirming. Prior to joining CVS, I held senior roles in both public and private sector organisations.

Catriona MacLeod

Third Sector Development Officer

I have 15 years of experience working across the voluntary sector. I enjoy my role immensely and I'm passionate about supporting organisations to develop and grow their capacity across Inverclyde. My day to day role sees me developing relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Beth Cowen

Volunteer Engagement Officer

My role is to promote, support and develop volunteering across Inverclyde. This involves assisting volunteer involving organisations to develop volunteering programmes and recruit volunteers, while also helping individuals to prepare for and get involved in meaningful opportunities. I am passionate about the benefits of volunteering, having seen the difference that it can make to an individual and to the community.

Stephanie Docherty

Community Justice Coordinator

I am a Social Science graduate, specialising in Sociology and Criminology. I have voluntary experience with Victim Support Scotland, and work experience in adult mental health and substance misuse, as well as children’s residential services. Through my role as Community Justice Coordinator, I welcome the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience in the local area to help promote and drive forward Community Justice in Inverclyde.

Ed Strutt

Communications and Engagement Officer

I joined the Partnership and Engagement team in 2025, bringing experience in third sector communications and marketing. I’m passionate about supporting Inverclyde’s charities and community groups, and I enjoy helping organisations find the guidance and connections they need to start, grow and sustain their work in the community. I enjoy connecting with people and helping them share stories of impact.

Emily Wood

Graduate Digital Marketing Assistant and Content Creator

As a member of the Partnership and Engagement team, my role involves managing our social media presence, developing campaigns and building our brand as a trusted source of information for the local community. My background is in marketing and graphic design. I’m passionate about supporting Inverclyde’s voluntary organisations to share their stories and show the difference they make.

Heather MacLaurin

Administration and Finance Officer

I manage our finance systems, keep our administrative processes running smoothly and support with compliance. I love the variety of my role and the strong community focus of the third sector. I’m proud to be part of such a passionate team contributing my skills to help strengthen and support the impact we make.

Alena

Vicki’s Assistance Dog

I'm super helpful and clever! I love offering support to my best friend Vicki and I enjoy the occasional office zoomies!

The Board

Paul Brooks

Chair

I joined the CVS Inverclyde board in October 2021. Born and bred in Inverclyde, my career began as a BSC-qualified Sound Engineer before lecturing in Sound Production at James Watt College for 15 years. I am now Director of Software Training Scotland and Access Technology Scotland CIC. With my experience in technology and organisational challenges, I am proud to serve CVS Inverclyde.

Bev Thow

Vice Chair

As Service Manager for Moving On Inverclyde, I have a true passion for our local community and the third sector. With experience in senior leadership, strategic planning and collaborative working, I truly appreciate the invaluable contribution CVSI offer Inverclyde and I am proud to support the team as a Trustee.

Claire Sinnet

Treasurer

I’ve been a qualified accountant for 16 years and have gained a wealth of experience in Finance across both the public and private sector. I have been a trustee of CVS for almost a year and I look forward to offering support however I can to the organisation.

Graham Gardner

Trustee

I am the CEO of Ardgowan Hospice, returning in 2022 to my childhood West of Scotland. I am an experienced leader and social entrepreneur known as a creative thinker and innovator, passionate about leadership, service design, collaboration and social change. A Fellow of the RSA and national award winner, my passion is helping organisations find solutions that support vulnerable people.

Andrea Wyllie

Trustee

I'm the CEO of the Greenock Medical Aid Society. I have a nursing background in Adult and Mental Health nursing and became a Queen’s Nurse two years ago. I have extensive senior management experience and have advised local and central governments. I am an executive member of Scottish Care and passionate about high quality services and supporting older people.