Jon’s first experience of Community Renewal was a knock at his front door by a Community Animator where he was asked if he would like to complete a listening survey. As a long time member of a disadvantaged community he was surprised and delighted to be asked his opinion on the local area and the improvements he would like to see take place. Interested in getting more involved, he then volunteered with Community Renewal whilst he completed his Master of Arts in History. After several months volunteering he accepted a sessional post which quickly turned into a full-time position. Jons previous employment experience was in the construction industry which accumulated in a job helping to complete the new Scottish Parliament building.
Jon’s natural empathy helps him engage with the less well off neighbourhoods in North Edinburgh and he works with individuals to support their move into employment and develop self-sustaining grass roots community groups and services.
Jon now manages all Community Renewal’s delivery in Edinburgh including our youth project (Employment Safety Net), the Integrated Employability Service, and the People’s Health Trust funded Local Conversations in Bingham & Magdalene and Muirhouse.
He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and Chartered Management.
Executive Assistant to Jon Mennie – Service Manager (Edinburgh)
Oliver’s role at Community Renewal is as the Project Lead for the Edinburgh Targeted & Integrated Employability Service (ETIES), Next Step throughout the city of Edinburgh having lead the previous integrated employability service, Route2 in the North Edinburgh area. He manages the local team and works as an adviser helping to support local people into employment, education or training. He also liaises with employers to verify the continuing employment of our clients. Oliver also manages regular CSCS Training courses in Edinburgh.
Oliver has previous experience in various customer service and administrative roles in the DWP including Administrative Officer, Team Leader and Technical Assurance Officer. He also has experience in the construction industry as a Quantity Surveyor.
Cris is the Peoples Health Trust Project Lead in the Bingham and Magdalene areas of Edinburgh.
He is responsible for facilitating community inspired projects and engaging with with the local community.
Cris has previously worked in the Scottish Parliament , NHS Borders, the Press and Journal Newspaper as well as being a Taxi Driver in Auld Reekie when studying International Relations as a mature student at the University of Edinburgh.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has