Our Team

We’re currently recruiting an Operations Manager with a closing date of Friday 10th July. Please see the advert here and the job description here. If you feel your experience makes you a good fit, we’d love to receive an application from you.

Core team

  • Executive Director, Sarah Randell

    Sarah Randell was appointed Executive Director in March 2026. Sarah has spent her working life in the charity sector, mainly in development roles in health, arts and education where overcoming barriers to access has been a common theme she is passionate about. Most recently, for nearly seven years, Sarah led Teapot Trust, a charity providing art therapy to children and young people living with chronic illness.

  • Finance Lead, Matt Rondina-Scales

    Matt Rondina-Scales has been involved with MYDG since 2019, taking on the permanent Finance Lead role in 2024. Matt began his career in corporate banking before moving into the not-for-profit sector. While he works in a behind-the-scenes capacity, Matt takes great satisfaction in ensuring the financial health that allows MYDG to continue its vital and impactful work across North Edinburgh.

  • Operational Manager, Chris Thomson

    Chris Thomson is Operational Manager and has been working at MYDG for 17 years. While at school Chris attended MYDG’s youth groups, then started as a volunteer and gained experience in outdoor learning before joining the staff team. Chris has spent a lot of his time over these years sharing his passion for the outdoors with young people in North Edinburgh.

  • Senior Youth Development Worker (boys lead), Brandon Mullen 

    Brandon Mullen leads on boys development work. He has long links with MYDG, first as a young person participating in activities, then as a volunteer and staff member over 9 years. Brandon has built trusted relationships with young people and is a stable influence in their lives. He enjoys taking boys to sports matches and creating opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

  • Youth Development Worker (girls lead), Charlene Fraser

    Charlene Fraser is MYDG’s Youth Development Worker with a focus on girls and young women's work. Charlene started her role in March 2026, having previously worked with MYDG, so she knows the community well. She is passionate about this work and hopes to build positive and lasting relationships to enhance our girls work.

  • Community Coordinator, Team Around the Community, Nichola McFall

    Nichola McFall was appointed in May 2026 to lead north Edinburgh’s Team Around the Community work. Funded by City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with R2, and hosted by MYDG, the role coordinates council, health, justice and voluntary sector services, providing early intervention support to local people when and how it’s needed. Nichola brings community development and social justice experience and a collaborative approach.

  • Pilton Retreat Manager, Lesley Ross

    Lesley Ross has long connections with Muirhouse and MYDG having grown-up here and been a Youth Worker with the charity. Now, she manages our Pilton Retreat near Ratho - a youth-hostel style ‘escape’ for young people, including Looked After children, from north Edinburgh and beyond who need space and time to enjoy a break in a rural setting with outdoor facilities.

Sessional workers and trainees

MYDG employs 7 sessional youth workers and supports a trainee, pictured.


Trustees

As a registered Scottish charity (SC028495) MYDG is supported by trustees who bring a rich mix of skills including legal, financial and HR. Collectively, they have strategic oversight and hold responsibility for financial stability, the management of risk and ensuring good governance. Our trustees are Julia Hodgson (Chair), Charles Sweeny (Finance), Carol Van Beusekom, Collin Powers and Gillian McLean.

Vacancies

MYDG staff vacancies are usually promoted on Good Moves. If you’re interested in trainee or trustee roles please contact chris@mydg.org.uk (trainee roles) and sarah@mydg.org.uk (trustee positions).