Board of Trustees

As a charity and company limited by guarantee, Changes Chief Executive Officer is supported by a team of dedicated volunteer Board members who come from a wide range of professional backgrounds.

To find out more about joining Changes Board contact chair@changeschp.org.uk

Trevor Civval, Chair of the Board

Trevor is an experienced executive and non-executive director in commercial and third sector organisations, with particular expertise in finance and governance.

His professional career has largely been in corporate finance and corporate advisory. Most recently, he was a founding partner of a firm established to advise pension scheme trustees.

His recent third sector appointments include being Chair of Corra Foundation and trustee of Social Bite, Firstport, and the Dollywood Foundation.

In addition, Trevor is a member of the Kilfinan Group, which offers mentoring advice to charity chief executives.

Gary Cochrane, Trustee

Hello, my name is Gary and I am proud to be a member of the Changes Board.

I joined the team at the start of 2023 after spending 14 years as a volunteer panel member and regional trainer with Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS). As someone who has experienced the challenges of dealing with mental health issues, I am a real advocate of the benefits of prevention, support services and therapies.

I live in Midlothian with my wife and our lively Tibetan Terrier. Over my career I have worked in a variety of roles within the Financial Services Industry. For the past 28 years I have worked in Risk and am Head of Compliance for a Private Bank in Edinburgh. Outside of work I love to spend time away in our caravan, walking the dog and yoga.

What drew me to Changes was the fantastic range of services and the phenomenal success the team have in delivering support for the local community especially in these continuing challenging times. The positive impact the team have is immense and I will strive to support the team to the best of my ability drawing on my own personal mental health experiences, my work with CHS and the skills I have learned throughout my career.

Patsy Brown, Trustee

I joined the Changes Board as a Trustee in November 2019. Soon after retiring in 2014 from my career in nursing (latterly, rehabilitation services), I joined Changes as a volunteer walk leader, and then later helped with the beginners’ cycling sessions when they began. In addition to volunteering with Changes, I am a community- based volunteer English tutor with Edinburgh College helping a foreign student learn English. As a Changes volunteer, and as someone who has enjoyed and benefited from Changes’ activities and courses, I have seen how positive an effect the organisation has on the local community members who use the services. My other interests include being in the outdoors and meeting with friends and family.

Andrew Duncan, Trustee

I joined the Board of Changes in April 2024 having been drawn to the organisation due to the fantastic work they do in supporting people to maintain positive mental health. I was particularly drawn to the work they do in supporting people using the outdoors.

My career has been in finance, in both banking and accountancy, latterly working as the Financial Controller at a Venture Capital fund. I currently volunteer at a number of charities including Musselburgh & District Citizens Advice Bureau, Musselburgh & District Athletic Club, Eskmuthe Community Rowing Club and Venture Scotland. I am passionate about sport and how it can be used as a positive force in people’s lives for both mental & physical health, regardless of ability or background.

When I’m not working, you will most likely find me outside, climbing a hill, cycling, running or rowing a boat.

Board of Trustees

Trevor Civval, Chair of the Board

Gary Cochrane, Trustee

Patsy Brown, Trustee

Andrew Duncan, Trustee

Dennis Rowe

Zoe Hoppe