Award-winning charity CEO Edel Harris is to be the new chief executive of UK charity the Royal Mencap Society.
She moves to the role from a similar one Cornerstone, a leading Aberdeen-based Scottish charity that provides services to people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and dementia.
In the role Harris pioneered new ways of providing care particularly through Local Cornerstone, tackling the challenges faced by the local care system.
She was voted Scottish EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 and has a wide range of experience including being a former director of the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust, former chair of the Scottish Government's Social Investment Fund and a board member of the Robertson Trust.
Robert Gordon University awarded her an honorary doctorate for her her contribution to charity and business in Scotland.
Harris said: “As someone who is passionate about ensuring that people with a learning disability are included, listened to and valued, this role provides me with an opportunity to continue all the good work I’ve done at Cornerstone but on a bigger stage.
“I am very sorry to leave all my great friends and colleagues at Cornerstone.
“Over the last eleven years I have worked with some amazing, committed people who have shown courage and passion despite what, at times, has been a challenging time for the social care sector in Scotland.
“I have been supported by a wonderful voluntary board of directors and I am really proud of all that we have achieved since 2008.
“Mencap is a very well-known and respected charity and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Royal Mencap chair Derek Lewis said: “The trustees are delighted that Edel has accepted the role of chief executive of Royal Mencap Society.
“The challenges facing people with learning disabilities, as well as their families, carers and the organisations that provide support, remain severe.
“Working with all of these groups, Mencap is committed to enabling people with learning disabilities to lead good lives, able to make their own choices and free from discrimination. “As we embark on the next phase of our ambitious development strategy, we look forward to Edel’s leadership and commitment to people with learning disabilities.”
Andrew Lockhart, chair of Cornerstone, said: “I would wish to record our warm thanks and congratulations to Edel.
“ While we will of course be very sorry to see her leave the organisation, this appointment is worthy recognition both of her outstanding contribution to Cornerstone over the past eleven years, and of her high profile within the sector generally in Scotland.”
