A SALTCOATS care sector worker has been appointed chief executive of a leading Glasgow-based charity.

Heather Gray is looking forward to taking up her new role with Cosgrove Care and working to develop the high quality and extensive range of services the charity provides.

She said: “There are now major challenges, both financially and operationally facing the care sector in Scotland and I am looking forward to working closely with the highly dedicated team at Cosgrove Care to enhance the services that we provide and create some new solutions and ideas.

“I am fortunate to be joining such a respected organisation that prides itself on top quality service and is recognised by the Care Inspectorate as a high performing service provider.”

Over the last four years, Heather has achieved considerable success in providing strong leadership at the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The former occupational therapist transformed the society’s overseeing of service provision expansion by attracting new income. She has also helped raise its profile with the Scottish Government and develop new partnerships. Heather has a track record in organisational development and working with adults and children across health, local government and the third sector.

Cosgrove has been providing care services for over 50 years and recognises the importance of evolving to meet people’s changing needs.

Heather’s appointment was overseen by both families and people who use Cosgrove’s services.

She joins the charity in September with a commitment to build and develop its range of services for children and adults who have additional support needs.

John Dover, co-chairman of Cosgrove Care Board of Directors, said that Heather has a strong commitment to working with partners to deliver a new generation of services that meet the needs of the area’s most vulnerable people.

Colin Black, co-chairman of Cosgrove Care added: “Our new chief executive brings to the organisation an in-depth knowledge and a strong commitment to broadening and developing services for vulnerable people. In addition, she has delivered innovative solutions within challenging economic environments and has a commitment to working in partnership to deliver the best outcomes for those we work with.”