Priorities will include working with third sector partners and local authorities to keep The Promise

Action for Children has announced Fiona Steel as its new national director for Scotland.

As the charity’s new lead, Fiona will be responsible for all the current services across 30 of the country’s 32 local authorities.

This includes intervention against child criminal exploitation, fostering, residential and short breaks.

She takes over from the previous Scotland national director, Paul Carberry who became CEO of the charity earlier this year.

Speaking of her appointment, Fiona said: “Throughout my life I’ve been passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. This is reflected in Action for Children’s values and a shared vision which has kept me committed to the charity for almost three decades.

“It’s a real privilege to be appointed national director, and it’s my focus to ensure we continue to build on the positive impact of our broad work, which is delivered by highly-qualified and dedicated colleagues. My team and I will work with children and families, who after all are the experts, to deliver the innovative solutions, support, care and love they need and want. 

Fiona's priorities will include working with third sector partners and local authorities to keep The Promise – the recommendations made to deliver on conclusions of the Scottish Independent Care Review – throughout their services, and ensure children and young people are central to decision making.

The incoming national director also plans to advocate for national and local government to do more to fund and recognise the care sector workforce as invaluable in the face of a recruitment crisis. 

Fiona started her career as a social worker and joined the charity in 1997 as a senior practitioner within the charity’s fostering arm.

She held a broad range of positions throughout the organisation and joined the senior leadership team in 2008 before being appointed deputy director of children’s services in April 2020. From February this year Fiona had been the acting national director.

Within that role, she was instrumental in Action for Children’s ability to reach and support thousands of vulnerable children, young people and families during the pandemic.

Action for Children’s chef executive Paul Carberry added: “Having worked with Fiona, I know firsthand the high esteem she’s held in not only by Action for Children staff and the people we care for and support, but also by the wider sector. 

“Fiona’s appointment also highlights the progression staff at Action for Children can and do work towards. It’s a shining example to our young workforce that we as an organisation provide support to grow, learn and advance. I look forward to the great achievements Fiona will I’m certain bring to the young people and families of Scotland.”