Board of Trustees

The team at Ochil Tower School is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the children and young people on our campus.

Our Board of Trustees carry out a wide variety of roles (outlined in more detail below) but shares a common commitment to realising the potential of our children and young people.

We are currently recruiting for a new Board member. To read the role description, click here. If you would like to apply, contact valerie.darling@ochiltowerschool.org

Margaret Orr (Chair)

“I’ve been on the board of Ochil Tower School since 2015. I’ve had a long association with the school in the context of my previous career in Additional Support Needs with Glasgow City Council and my involvement at a national level on policy development. Most recently I’ve supported the school as an independent consultant.

I’m particularly pleased to be a board member at such a developmental stage in Ochil Tower’s history.

My personal interests include travel, reading, horse riding and the theatre.”

Shaun Rands

From a project, risk and change management background, Shaun believes that his knowledge and experience can assist Ochil Tower School’s various challenges in moving to 52-week provision, as well as the problems continually faced by a school providing long-term residential care to children and young people with complex learning needs. Keen to point out that he is neither an educator nor social worker, he believes that is not a barrier to being able to help govern the school and assist in any way he can, and in many ways having a fresh pair of eyes looking and challenging, helps any organisation develop and improve.

Shaun recently moved to Auchterarder and is a keen hillwalker and runner. He has recently taken up open-water swimming, but is still coming to terms with the cold.

Laura Wray

I qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in 1987 and in English law in 1992. I was Litigation Partner and latterly Senior Partner with L&L Lawrence Solicitors running their Glasgow and Edinburgh offices, and then a Consultant to Drummond Miller Solicitors from 1998-2002.

I was called to the Bar in 2003. As an Advocate I’ve appeared in the Court of Session, High Court, Sheriff Courts, Employment tribunals and social security tribunals. I specialise in personal injury and medical negligence. I also have experience of employment law, contractual disputes, fatal accident inquiries and I’ve been involved in criminal defence and prosecution work.

I’ve been regularly been rated in the Legal 500 and Chambers Bar Directories for Personal Injury. I was junior counsel for the pursuer (Granville Cooper) in the lead case in the Vioxx group litigation against drug manufacturer Merck, Sharp and Dome which successfully concluded in Scotland in 2003. My son Frankie is a former pupil of Ochil Tower School.

Kirsty McDougall

Kirsty is Director of Operations at Camphill Blair Drummond, where she leads on service delivery, efficiencies and organisational development within a residential and day service community for adults with learning disabilities.

With a background in social care and leadership, Kirsty brings experience in operational management, strategic planning and regulatory compliance. She has a strong interest in developing services that are both high quality and values-led, ensuring that people are supported to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Kirsty is particularly interested in how organisations balance structure and innovation, and in building strong, values-driven teams.

Kirsty has a personal connection to Ochil Tower School, having previously lived and worked within the community. This experience gives her a strong understanding of the school’s ethos and the importance of creating environments where children and young people can thrive. Outside of work, Kirsty enjoys reading, sewing and a recent new found love of camping!

Dr Sharon Brown

Dr Sharon Brown is a Chartered Educational Psychologist and civil servant working within Scotland’s education sector. Her career has spanned primary education, educational psychology and national education improvement, with a consistent focus on helping children and young people achieve their full potential. Sharon brings extensive experience in leadership, research and improvement, guided by a strong commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and enabling every young person to thrive.

As a Trustee of Ochil Tower School, Sharon is proud to support the school’s
commitment to nurturing confident, resilient and independent young people within a caring and inclusive community. She is passionate about creating environments where children feel valued, understood and empowered to flourish. Beyond her professional role, Sharon is actively involved in charitable initiatives that support education and community development in Africa. She is also a keen beekeeper, enjoys walking and travelling to explore different cultures and perspectives.

Sharon values kindness, curiosity and lifelong learning, and is committed to helping Ochil Tower School continue to provide exceptional opportunities for young people to thrive and achieve their aspirations.

Zoe Sweeney

From a banking, transformation and leadership background, I have spent my career helping organisations improve customer and colleague experiences through strategic change, operational leadership and business transformation. With experience spanning customer service, operations, business management and large-scale change programmes, I am passionate about bringing people together to solve problems, improve outcomes and build positive, high-performing cultures.

I am delighted to be involved as a Trustee at Ochil Tower School. My background in governance, risk management, strategic planning and leading organisational change enables me to offer a different perspective and support the continued development of the school. I strongly believe that diverse experiences and viewpoints help organisations learn, grow and achieve the best possible outcomes for the people they support. I am passionate about helping ensure that children and young people have access to the support, opportunities and environment they need to develop, thrive and reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the Scottish Highlands, hillwalking and travelling.

Johanna McDonald

I have been associated with Ochil Tower School for a number of years. I was employed as the chef and house parent from 1995 to 2002. I worked closely with the young people and those years gave me a great insight into the complex needs of the young people. I left to go to university and gained my Social Work degree in 2005.

I have worked in Children and Families SW since 2005. I worked for several local authorities and worked in child protection for a number of years.

Ochil Tower School has always been close to my heart through its values, principles, and dedication to its holistic teachings and ways of life. This is something I’m proud to be associated with and look forward to watching the school continue to thrive and evolve. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience in any way I can.

In my spare time I love walking, reading, gardening, spending time with my grandchildren and meeting up with family and friends.