James Jopling joins Parkinson’s UK as Scotland Director
James, who was most recently with British Heart Foundation, replaces Annie Macleod who retired at the end of last year.
Parkinson’s UK Scotland is pleased to announce the appointment of James Jopling as its new Director, replacing Annie Macleod who retired at the end of 2021.
James brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked across a range of Scottish and UK charities over a 28-year career.
James started his charity career as a volunteer at Oxfam in 1994 and has since worked in organisations such as Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Now and Samaritans.
Most recently, James held the role of Head of Scotland at the British Heart Foundation.
James said:
"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Parkinson’s UK Scotland.
"People with Parkinson's had a key decision-making role during the recruitment process and it's exciting to be joining an organisation that puts people who live with Parkinson’s at the front and centre of its work.
"Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, so this is an incredibly important time for the Parkinson’s community here in Scotland.
"As we emerge into new ways of trying to live with COVID-19, people with Parkinson’s need access to the right health and care services, support, and treatment, at every stage. At Parkinson’s UK Scotland, we’ll continue to empower people with Parkinson’s and their families and friends to establish and develop activities to support each other. And we’ll work in ways that suit people whether online or in their local communities.
"With changes to the social security system in Scotland coinciding with the cost of living crisis, we know that people will need consistent access to information and financial advice too.
"I am also excited by the opportunity to join people with experience of Parkinson’s, clinicians and researchers to champion the world-leading Parkinson’s research that is taking place in universities, labs and clinics across Scotland and the rest of the UK."
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson's UK, said:
"We are thrilled to have James join us at Parkinson's UK. James has an extremely strong background in charity work and we are absolutely convinced this will serve him well in his role as Scotland Director.
"I look forward to working with James to ensure the needs of people with Parkinson's are met across Scotland and wish him all the best in his new role."