Lynsey is the Development Worker at Giving Back, a community-focussed organisation established in 2023. An experienced Community Learning and Development professional with 20 years of experience supporting people and communities across a range of settings, from the grass-roots to Strategic Planning Partnerships level.  

A member of the CLD Standards Council Scotland since 2018, underpins Lynsey’s commitment to professional practice according to the values, principles, competences and code of ethics for Community Learning and Development and continuing professional development. 

Taking a Community Development approach to working alongside people and communities, Lynsey demonstrates consistently high standards of engagement and involvement, based on active listening and integrity of using strengths-based approaches, like co-production. 

Everyone benefits from working together based on a shared understanding of the ‘sharing of power’ and genuine responsibility. Including all perspectives and skills and hearing all relevant views and knowledge. Rooted in relationships where everyone is of equal importance. Lynsey is incredibly passionate about ‘shifting the balance of power’ towards people and communities. 

Proven track record in establishing and sustaining relationships locally, regionally and nationally. Developing effective means to engage with people who are socially isolated, seldom heard and supporting people to bring their views, knowledge and lived experience toward driving forward community aspirations and lasting positive change, in the communities that she works alongside. 

Skilled in building the capacity of people to be involved and providing direct support for people when planning, developing and delivering community-led programmes and initiatives. Actively pursuing involvement and partnership working opportunities and linking interested people with opportunities to influence change. 

An independent worker, experienced in working in partnerships, Lynsey is well connected across the system and is open to working collaboratively with others for community benefit, welcoming interested people and parties to reach out. 

In her spare time Lynsey is creative, doing arts and crafts and jewellery making. A keen grower of fruit and vegetables, who lives for nature walks with Bella - her beloved pug. Lynsey tells us she gets a lot of enjoyment from bringing these skills to her current group work activities. You can check out our social media pages to find out more about what our Feel Good Thursday group are up to.