Our Amazing Team.
John Alexander
Chief Executive Officer
From the very start of John’s career, he understood the value of training and won Apprentice of the Year (Billy McKay Trophy), which lead him on to completing his Advanced Craft qualifications. In 2001, John started Alexander Decorators, which grew to become one of Tayside’s leading Decorating firms.
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Aled Bartley-Jones
Head of Transition to Trade
Aled comes from a background of developing and delivering projects within a variety of youth and community focused organisations, including roles within Faith in Community one of ACD’s delivery partners and The Prince’s Trust. Through this experience he has developed invaluable skills in delivering SQA courses, project management and partnership working.
TELL ME MORE!His strong and creative leadership has been imperative to the development of Transition to Trade. By working with his team in a highly collaborative way, he has shaped the growth of the programme substantially since launch in September 2020. By building on his deeply ingrained CLD principles, he has cemented reflective practice into the foundations of Transition to Trade which has maximised the learning and evaluation opportunities for each course. Aled is currently working hard behind the scenes to develop ‘Transition to Work,’ to further expand what we offer at ACD, he says, ‘watch this space, we have exciting opportunities to come.’
In his free time, he is studying MSc Community Education at the University of Dundee. These studies have helped to transform Aled’s practice as a critical practitioner. When he is not studying, you will find Aled in the skate park or serenading his cat with his guitar.
John Alexander Snr
Food Coordinator
John has extensive experience coordinating people, equipment and logistics in previous roles, food and deliveries aren’t so different!
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Kyle Mitchell
Volunteer
Kyle is ‘the boss’ on a Friday, where he volunteers his time to support the food distribution service at ACD. He was recently recognised as ‘Most Dedicated Volunteer’ by ACD, after his commitment every week to the service.
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KARA SWANKIE
Executive Director
As a project manager, Kara is known for getting the job done – and fast! Kara previously founded and sold, 2 start-up businesses which jump-started her career in project management. Her motivation and determination comes from her background as an international powerlifter, where she holds Commonwealth gold medals, and world records.
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JOHN NICOLL
Trainer
Having worked with Alexander Decorators for over 16 years, not only has John gained a huge level of experience in supervising teams. But, alongside training as a Site Supervisor and Site Manager, John successfully moved into the training side of the business.
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Lewis Alexander
Volunteer
Lewis is a key volunteer within the food distribution service at ACD. During his time with ACD, he have successfully achieved his Platinum Saltire Award for Volunteering.
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Kerr Snee
Apprentice Joiner
Kerr is our first apprentice joiner, as part of the Trades for All team. He has recently finished studying at Dundee and Angus College and is excited about taking the next step in his career. Kerr is starting his Level 2 training in July and will continue to take part in the wider actitives of ACD.
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Dylan Chalmers
Trainee Trainer
Dylan joined team ACD, working within the Transition to Trade programme as a trainee trainer. He is currently with us on a 6 month placement through Kickstart and is exploring the next steps of his career.
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SPONSOR, VOLUNTEER, GET INVOLVED!
We are a community organisation and seek to partner with progressive businesses who wish to develop skills in their workforce and the wider community. Our training is delivered by highly skilled tradesmen and sector specific experts and teachers. We are always looking to offer volunteering opportunities to retired tradesmen and those who are looking to give back.
MEET OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JOHN ALEXANDER
Chief Executive Officer
From the very start of John’s career, he understood the value of training and won Apprentice of the Year (Billy McKay Trophy), which lead him on to completing his Advanced Craft qualifications. In 2001, John started Alexander Decorators, which grew to become one of Tayside’s leading Decorating firms.
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DAVID DORWARD
Chair of the Board
Mr Dorward has been a staple community member in Dundee, having worked in Scottish local government for 43 years, with all but 4 of these years in Dundee. His career ended as the Chief Executive of Dundee City Council in November 2014.
TELL ME MORE!KARA SWANKIE
Director
As a project manager, Kara is known for getting the job done – and fast! Kara previously founded and sold, 2 start-up businesses which jump-started her career in project management. Her motivation and determination comes from her background as an international powerlifter, where she holds Commonwealth gold medals, and world records.
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TINA MCGUFF
Non-Exec
The author of the critically acclaimed, bestselling memoir ‘Seconds To Snap,’ Tina told her incredible journey from crippling anorexia and suicide trauma to full recovery.
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John Martin
Non-Exec
John has been a qualified financial accountant for over 30 years, during this time he is also a member of the Charted Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) ACMA.
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Lynne Short
Non-Exec
Councillor Short has served as a Dundee City Councillor since 2016 and has used this position to boost the visibility for different charitable projects. She also has a BA in Commerce & Business which will add a perspective from the business side of the charity.
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