Sharon Ballingall is a social worker with over 27 years’ experience within the third sector. She has helped to shape palliative care for children, young people, and their families. Sharon’s ongoing personal experience of supporting her son with complex needs through universal services has enriched her practice and driven her passion to advocate for the right support at the right time. Sharon has 21 years of service as a Special Constable within Police Scotland from 1995 to 2016.
Edel Harris OBE served as the CEO of Mencap from 2019-2023. Prior to this, she spent 11 years as the CEO of Cornerstone Community Care. Edel previously served as the Chair of The Life Changes Trust and the Scottish Government’s Social Investment Fund. Edel was the first woman to be President of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce from 2016-2018. Her other Non-Executive Director appointments include the National Care Group (2023-present), Robertson Trust (2018-2022), and Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (2014-2019). She is an Associate Consultant with PPL one of the Financial Times’ Leading Management Consultancies in the UK and in the top 5% of B Corps globally. Edel was awarded an OBE in 2021 in recognition for her services to the public sector and charity.
The appointments will be for three years and will run from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2026. The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.
Read Scottish Government’s announcement here.