The team at ACVO would like to thank Gette for her contribution to our work – and that of the sector in Aberdeen – as she retires from her role with us as Senior Development Officer (The Promise).
Gette joined ACVO in May 2023, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the third sector in Aberdeen. Over the course of her career, she worked with organisations including Aberdeen Cyrenians, Home-Start Aberdeen and Aberlour.
Her work has consistently focused on supporting children, young people and families, as well as strengthening practice across services.
During her time at ACVO, Gette supported organisations across Aberdeen to play their part in delivering The Promise. Central to her approach was a clear view of the role as a connector – bringing together the third sector, statutory partners and wider services to support a more joined-up approach and ensure the sector’s voice was represented.
A key achievement during her time at ACVO was establishing and leading The Promise Forum for the third sector in Aberdeen. This created a space for organisations to share their work, discuss challenges and build stronger working relationships, contributing to a more coordinated approach across the sector.
Gette also coordinated the “Working to Keep The Promise in Aberdeen” campaign, which developed following a multi-agency event at Aberdeen Town House. The event brought together partners from across the third sector and public services to reflect on progress and strengthen a shared commitment to The Promise. Building on this, the campaign highlighted work taking place across the city, featuring stories from organisations such as Home-Start Aberdeen and Sport Aberdeen. Having the campaign boards on display at Marischal College and the Aberdeen Vaccination Centre also helped raise wider awareness of The Promise and the contribution of local organisations.
Throughout her time at ACVO, Gette focused on building relationships and improving communication between organisations. This has helped strengthen connections across the sector and supported a more joined-up approach to delivering The Promise in Aberdeen.
Reflecting on Gette’s contribution, Maggie Hepburn Chief Executive at ACVO said:
“Gette has made a significant contribution not just during her time at ACVO, but across her entire career in the third sector in Aberdeen. She brought experience, credibility and a strong understanding of the local landscape to this role, and used that to build meaningful connections between organisations.”
“Her work has strengthened how the sector works together around The Promise, and that will have a lasting impact. We thank her for everything she has given over the years and wish her all the very best in her retirement.”
As she retires, Gette is looking forward to spending more time with her new granddaughter but says her time with the third sector in Aberdeen may not be over just yet!
Everyone at ACVO thanks Gette for her contribution, her support as a colleague, and the difference she has made across the third sector in Aberdeen. She leaves with our very best wishes and will be greatly missed here at ACVO.
This article originally appeared in the May 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news
