Mencap has appointed Edel Harris as its next chief executive, after Jan Tregelles announced plans to step down earlier this year.
Harris is currently chief executive of Cornerstone, a Scottish charity that provides a range of services to people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and dementia. She will start at Mencap early in 2020.
She said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the new CEO at Mencap. 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.”
Derek Lewis, chair of Mencap, said: “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.
“Her experience and insights will be invaluable, especially those from her 11 years as CEO of Cornerstone where she has pioneered transformational changes in the way people with learning disabilities are supported. We look forward to welcoming her and working with her.”
Harris is a former Metropolitan Police officer and has worked in the NHS and with social enterprises developing new services.
She joined Cornerstone in 2008 and has also held directorships at the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and Scottish Council for Development and Industry. She is currently a trustee of the Robertson Trust.
Mencap's income for the year to March 2018 was just over £200m and it employs 8,500 people.
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