School of Social and Political Science

Background

Professional Summary

Experienced social work and social care leader with 8 years as Chief Adviser to Scottish Ministers. Extensive background in national policy, legislation, and workforce development. Proven leadership in both national and local government roles, including integrated health and social care services, mental health, and addiction services.

National Role

Chief Adviser to Scottish Ministers, responsible for advising on social work and care policy across adult, children, families, and justice sectors. Led development of the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) and contributed to the Care Reform Bill. Directed the Directorate for Children and Families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established the Social Work Education Partnership and served as sponsor for the Scottish Social Services Council.

Chaired and co-chaired multiple policy groups:

• Review of Foster Care Allowances

• Review of Social Care in Prisons

• Children and Families Leadership Group

• Bairnshoose Standards Group

• Ukraine Safeguarding Group

• Dementia Strategy and Implementation Group

• Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Strategy Group

Locality Roles

Former Director of Social Work and Chief Officer for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Oversaw integrated services across health and social care, including mental health. Served as Director for Mental Health for NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Worked 27 years in Glasgow City, including as Community Health Care Director for South West Glasgow.  Led addiction services city-wide, developing integrated models for drug and alcohol treatment. Served as Head of Addiction Services, improving outcomes and reducing drug deaths.

Currently a member of the national strategy group for drug and alcohol misuse.

I am interested in supporting students who wish to consider the development and impact of policy on the delivery of social work.

I am also interested in the delivery of drug and alcohol services and children and family services.