Louise believes that cross sector collaboration and community empowerment are key to creating the just and equal society we are striving to build. She is committed to creating space for diverse groups of young people to be part of policy and decision making – respecting and fulfilling their rights as active citizens. Her commitment has been shaped by experiences and relationships made in community settings and national programmes in the public and third sectors across Scotland.

It is this commitment that underpins Louise’s work as Chief Executive of Young Scot, the multi award-winning youth information and citizenship charity. Louise is also Independent Co-Chair of the First Minister’s Advisory Council on Women and Girls; Board member of the Scottish Parliament think tank Scotland’s Futures Forum, and Presidency of the European Youth Card Association (representing 39 countries and 7m+ young cardholders).

Louise Macdonald is Co-Chair and Commissioner for the Public Debate & Participation Working Group.