Children’s Health Scotland, the leading Scottish charity promoting the healthcare rights and needs of children and young people, has announced the appointment of Helen Forrest as its first ever Chief Executive.
Commenting on the appointment Richard Olver, Chair of Children’s Health Scotland said: “I am delighted to welcome Helen as our new Chief Executive. Applications were received from a very high calibre of candidates and I am pleased it has concluded successfully with this appointment. I am now very much looking forward to working with Helen to take our charity forward – delivering on our strategic priorities so that we can continue to further our mission for children and young people in Scotland.”
As Chief Executive, Helen now assumes responsibility for leading the dedicated staff team at Children’s Health Scotland so that it can continue to raise its profile through direct support and advice, influencing policy and campaigning for service improvement. She has over 25 years of senior experience within the voluntary sector in Scotland, working mainly within the childcare sector and a demonstrable track record in strategy development, health improvement, engaging young people, and the transition from children to adult services.
On the announcement of the appointment Helen added: “I am really excited to join the team at Children’s Health Scotland. Together with the Board, I will now lead the continued development of the charity so that every child and young person can exercise their rights to healthcare and have these rights upheld and their healthcare needs met.
“With a working knowledge of the childcare and healthcare sectors, I am passionate about making a difference to the lives of children. In partnership with parents, carers and professionals I now hope to explore new ways to achieve this, directly through our own services at Children’s Health Scotland and by working in partnership with others in the future.”
