He will use his expertise and influence to raise awareness about the critical issues affecting children and young people

Action for Children has named the former chief constable of Police Scotland, Sir Iain Livingstone as its newest ambassador. 

Prior to stepping down in August this year Sir Iain led the force since 2017 and brings a wealth of experience and insight from his time.

While the nation’s most senior officer, he oversaw policing during major events including the Covid pandemic, policing of Cop26, and the death of the Queen.

As an ambassador for the charity - one of Scotland’s largest children’s services providers – he will use his expertise and influence to raise awareness about the critical issues affecting children and young people in Scotland, especially where they are protected or supported by the police.

He said:“It’s great to be working with Action for Children on its essential work in Scotland. I’m looking forward to lending my support to the charities’ leading practice development and collaboration with national agencies to ensure we continue to deliver safe childhoods for children and young people.

“The police’s support and protection for children and young people is a wide ranging area of practice, especially in Scotland. It requires muti-agency involvement to ensure the most suitable outcome is reached, and through this role I’m keen to build on Action for Children’s leading effort in this area.”

The charity is the leading expert on delivering a national intervention service to divert children and young people away from child criminal exploitation in Scotland, and sits on the government’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce.

First established in Scotland in 1955, it also delivers a range of specialist support including care for children and young people with disabilities, residential facilities, fostering, family support and mental health services all aimed to ensure more children have a safe and happy childhood.

Its team of around 850 staff across Scotland deliver 90 services throughout 30 local authorities.

Fiona Steel, national director for Scotland at Action for Children, welcomed the appointment by saying: “Sir Iain has worked at the top of public life in Scotland for many years and is a great supporter to have on board with the charity. His understanding on shifting social issues and the role they play in policing is something I am very keen to harness in our work.”

“I look forward to welcoming him into our team in Scotland, and making an important difference.” 

Paul Carberry, chief executive at Action for Children, added:“I’m so pleased to have Sir Iain joining as our newest ambassador at Action for Children. It offers huge backing on our effort for charities, the police and national agencies to be more aligned in delivering safe and happy childhoods for children.

“During his leadership, Sir Iain showed an unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting communities, and so this is a brilliant opportunity to draw on his insight about policing to ensure we advocate for families at a Scottish and UK-wide level.”

Livingstone will join other Action for Children ambassadors in Scotland, TalkSPORT broadcaster David Tanner, Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell of Glenscorrodale and senior communications consultant and boardroom leader, Flora Martin.

He will also work closely with the charity’s national director for Scotland, Fiona Steel, and former Scottish Government permanent secretary, Leslie Evans, who serves as a trustee and chairs its Scottish advisory committee.

Image above: l-r, Iain Livingstone, Paul Carberry, Leslie Evans and Fiona Steel.