MND Scotland’s interim boss Jane Haley has insisted the charity ‘remains open for business’ despite financial problems and the departures of its chief executive and chair.

The charity’s director of research Haley was appointed as interim chief executive after its CEO Rachel Maitland stepped down last month.

Maitland’s departure from the motor neurone disease charity was followed this month by its chair Adrian Murphy, who stepped down from its board this month to be replaced by interim co-chairs Liz McRobb and Callum Paterson.

“MND Scotland remains open for business and we continue to provide vital support to people with motor neuron disease across Scotland, as we have for over 40 years,” said Haley.

She said that “like many charities, we are navigating an extremely challenging financial environment” and that “it has become clear that decisive action was required to ensure the long-term stability of the charity”.

“We have been as transparent as possible with colleagues and together we are working on a range of potential options,” she added.

“We are funded entirely by donations and we need people to continue to support us through this challenging period.

“We are really proud of the relationship we have with the MND community in Scotland and are committed to continuing to support them.”

The charity has been reporting deficits of more than £1m over the last two years.

According to its accounts for the 12 months to March 2024 the charity’s total income was £2.69m, however its total expenditure during this period was £4.06m.

Similarly, the previous year its income was £2.79m, while it spent £4.04m.

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