New appointments to drive decarbonisation aims

Leading environmental charity Changeworks has appointed two new positions that will be integral to the organisation’s drive to decarbonise Scotland’s homes.

Ian Cochran will join the organisation as Head of Consultancy, and Jill Craig as Head of Building Contracts. Both will start in their positions in April.

Changeworks develops and delivers high impact solutions to make low-carbon life a positive reality for everyone. Ian and Jill will provide direction, leadership and support, pilot and develop new services, and scale the organisation’s presence in the energy efficiency sector.

These roles will be key to maximising Changeworks’ impact in decarbonising homes, ever important in the face of the accelerating climate emergency and cost of living crisis.

Prior to joining Changeworks, Ian spent the last four years at the University of Edinburgh Business School as the programme director of their MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment, and is a member of the Scottish Government’s Green Heat Finance Task Force.

He also worked at the Institute for Climate Economics, a ‘think-do tank’ based in Paris where he helped build their investment and finance-focused programme.

Ian brings with him a wealth of experience of working with a range of different clients, stakeholders, and partner organisations to produce research and expertise to support better decisions on climate-related issues.

Ian said: “Making Scotland’s homes more energy efficient and low-carbon makes sense not just for the climate, but also peoples’ health, wellbeing and wallet. While achieving this presents multiple challenges, it also presents opportunities that can deliver social and economic benefits.

“Changeworks has a key role to play in this, and I am excited to join the Consultancy team.”

Jill moves to Changeworks from Ricardo, where she worked as a Programme Manager for Social Housing Decarbonisation Programmes. As well as project managing and providing technical support to local authorities across England, Jill led the internal inaugural Social Value programme.

Jill is returning to Changeworks where she worked for Home Energy Scotland, firstly as Operations Manager and later as Centre Manager for the South-East. The team is looking forward to welcoming her back.

Jill said: “I’m delighted to be joining Changeworks to lead the highly skilled and dedicated team who manage, deliver and quality assess built environment projects across Scotland. Supporting the retrofit of houses and making them into more energy efficient, warmer homes is vital work, making a real difference.”

Josiah Lockhart, Changeworks Chief Executive said: “Jill and Ian will bring plenty of experience and a broad skillset to their roles as Head of Building Contracts and Head of Consultancy. We’re looking forward to welcoming them to Changeworks.

“The work we do here has never been more important and their expertise will be pivotal in achieving our strategic aim.”

Changeworks works collaboratively with partners, organisations and householders to drive transformation in energy efficiency and to tackle fuel poverty.