Youth Scotland appoints Mike Strang as new Chief Officer

An announcement from the Chair

Mike Strang wearing a patterned shirt stands on stage at an event

Dear Youth Scotland members and sector colleagues,

As you all know, our Chief Executive Ian McLaughlan is retiring in March next year. We will be very sorry to lose Ian who has led Youth Scotland impeccably over the last 8 years, however, I am delighted to say that we have appointed Mike Strang, Chief Officer of the Venture Trust as the new Chief Executive of Youth Scotland. He will start with us on 15th March taking over from Ian McLaughlan who will retire in March 2022.

Mike has 20 years’ experience in the third sector and a rich background in Youth Work and Outdoor Learning. He is passionate about tackling inequality and providing young people the chance to grow, learn and have happy fulfilling lives. Mike believes young people should have a right to youth work and works closely with YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work. He sits on their policy planning group and the National Youth Work Voluntary Sector Leaders forum (NYVOS).

Currently Chief Operation Officer at Venture Trust, a charity supporting individuals who struggle the most with transitions in life, delivering personal development programmes and the outdoors to deliver long-term sustainable positive change. Mike is excited to move from one fantastic charity to another and looks forward to joining Youth Scotland in March.

I am sure that you will all welcome Mike to the team when he joins us.

I wish you all a good and safe festive break and a happy new year when it comes.

Dona Milne
Chair, Youth Scotland