Jobs 'at risk' and salaries slashed at MND Scotland as charity faces financial difficulties

Jobs are at risk and salaries have been slashed at MND Scotland as the charity faces financial difficulties.

The motor neurone disease charity, which was founded four decades ago, told staff the charity was facing financial challenges last week, after both the CEO and board chair left the organisation.

STV News understands staff roles are at risk, with voluntary redundancy open to all workers. Those who remain at the charity will see their salaries reduced to 80% of their current levels.

Vital services such as advocacy work have been cut in recent months.

‘A fantastic charity has been destroyed’

A former staff member, who has spoken with current employees, told STV News that workers are feeling “devastated” and were left “in tears” following the announcement.

“A lot of them have family members with MND, a lot of them are connected to the charity because they’ve been affected by it, so it’s very personal to them,” they said.

“They’re pretty angry, they’re pretty upset and I’d say pretty devastated to be honest.”

The source added: “The people in management are the ones who have basically destroyed a fantastic charity, and it’s really at risk here.”

A second source confirmed that all staff are at risk of redundancy.

“Everyone was in shock. To witness my hard working, dedicated colleagues in tears was one of the most difficult things I have ever experienced,” the source said.

“We all feel let down by the poor decisions made by the CEO and board and are devastated about the impact this will have on those who we support.

“My colleagues and I will do all that we can to continue to support the MND community and to make sure that MND Scotland exists in the future.”

‘We are navigating an extremely challenging financial environment’

A spokesperson for MND Scotland said: “Like many charities, we are navigating an extremely challenging financial environment and it has become clear that immediate action is required to ensure the long-term stability of the charity.

“The wellbeing of our colleagues is our absolute priority and we shared the position with colleagues as soon as we were aware. We are now working closely with colleagues on a range of potential options.”

In an email sent to supporters, the charity said its colleagues and the remaining trustees are “committed to fighting for the survival of MND Scotland, a charity with a 40-year legacy of providing vital support to people across Scotland living with MND”.

“We understand that hearing this news will be incredibly disappointing and frustrating, particularly as a supporter of the charity,” the email stated.

“We are sorry that we have been put in this position, and we share your disappointment and your frustration.

“We are already taking tough decisions that we believe will ensure the long-term stability of the charity, but we can’t do this without you. Please continue to support MND Scotland.”

MND Scotland confirmed that former CEO Rachel Maitland, who joined the charity in 2021, left the organisation last week alongside former chair of the trustees, Adrian Murphy.

Dr Jane Haley, MND Scotland’s director of research, has been appointed interim CEO of the charity.

She will report to the board of trustees, interim co-chaired by Liz McRobb from Shepherd & Wedderburn and Callum Paterson from the University of Edinburgh.

Adrian Murphy, Jack Mcinnes, and Angharad Low were terminated as charity directors on September 30, according to Companies House records.