Colin Macfarlane

Interim Director of Delivery

Pronouns: he/him

I lead the operational management, policy, research, campaigning and social change work of Stonewall Scotland and have strategic oversight over our Northern Ireland partnership with the Rainbow Project.

I manage our stakeholder relations, influencing, advocacy, communications and campaigns activity, which involves working constructively with government, political parties, civil society groups and the public and private sector to further our human rights and equality work. I also lead on driving sustained growth and confidence in our innovative Diversity Champions workplace, empowerment and Children and Young People’s programmes.

Before joining Stonewall, I was part of the transition team that worked on establishing the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland. As Head of Communications at the EHRC, I led on the development of a series of debates on issues such as assisted dying, human trafficking and equal marriage, bringing together a wide range of groups and individuals to help shape the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s view. At the Disability Rights Commission, I led on our advocacy and parliamentary

engagement work on the Additional Support for Learning Act, building a coalition of disability organisations and parent groups and ensuring their participation in helping shape this key piece of legislation.

Outside work, I’m an avid reader, I like to run (less avidly than I should) and I make attempts to bake. I once worked with Dannii Minogue on a short-lived Saturday morning kid’s TV show – and I’m yet to fulfil my lifelong ambition of being a Doctor Who companion.