Susan Douglas-Scott CBE Appointed as Chair of Birds of Paradise Theatre Company

Birds of Paradise Theatre Company, Scotland’s preeminent disability-led theatre company, has appointed Susan Douglas-Scott CBE as its new Chair of the Board. 

A distinguished leader and voice across the disability, health, and charity sectors, Douglas-Scott brings with her a wealth of experience in governance, advocacy and inclusive direction. Her appointment marks a significant chapter for Birds of Paradise with the company having marked a milestone of three decades in 2025 and continues to challenge the exclusion of disabled people from the arts and wider society.

At the heart of Douglas-Scott’s philosophy is her deep belief in people and her dedication to creating spaces where everyone can fully and authentically be themselves. She has consistently driven positive change in equality and diversity, particularly for those she serves through her public and third-sector roles.

A long-time supporter of Birds of Paradise’s pioneering inclusivity across the sector, Douglas-Scott is also Chair of the NHS Golden Jubilee Board and recently appointed Chair of the National Care Service Interim Advisory Board. She is widely recognised for her people-centred leadership approach and her long-standing dedication to equality, diversity and access. A passionate supporter of the arts since childhood, she also serves as a trustee of Indepen-dance and sings with the European Queer Choir. 

Susan Douglas-Scott comments,I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of Birds of Paradise. I have watched this incredible theatre company go from strength to strength over the past thirty years, giving space for disabled people to be involved in theatre. Through this BOP plays a significant role in raising key issues about disability and citizenship, issues very close to my heart.  As a disabled person I feel proud of all that BOP has achieved and I am excited to play a part in its continued development and future.

Birds of Paradise has played a pivotal role in transforming the cultural landscape of Scotland. As the company looks to the future, Susan’s appointment signals a continued and deepened commitment to platforming disabled artists and stories.

Artistic Director and CEO of Birds of Paradise, Robert Softley Gale, commentsWe are absolutely thrilled to welcome Susan Douglas-Scott CBE as our new Chair. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to equality and diversity, particularly within the disability and charity sectors, will be invaluable as Birds of Paradise continues its vital work. Susan has been a long-time supporter of our pioneering inclusivity, and her appointment signals a deepened commitment to our work platforming disabled artists and stories. At a time when government cuts to support such as Access to Work mean that the place of disabled artists in the cultural landscape is far from secure, our mission to challenge the exclusion of disabled people from the arts and wider society remains as critical as ever. With Susan at the helm of our Board, we are poised to further our legacy with strength, compassion, and innovation.

Birds of Paradise’s work continues to influence not only Scottish theatre but also global conversations around disability and access in the arts, working with international organisations to programme essential works platforming accessibility. With Douglas-Scott at the helm of the Board, the company is prepared to further its trailblazing legacy with strength, compassion and innovation.

Website:  www.boptheatre.co.uk

Main Image: Susan Douglas Scott, photo by Brian Scott NHS Golden Jubilee 

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