Pauline Gray will take over at the helm at Visualise Scotland. 

A charity that provides services tailored to the individual needs of people with disabilities have unveiled a new CEO. 

Long-standing employee Pauline Gray has taken over as Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh and East Lothian-based Visualise Scotland. 

Pauline began her career as an auxiliary nurse in Liberton hospital in 1988, before working as a clinical support worker in the early 90s and starting in health and social care in 2004. 

Pauline will continue to bring care and passion to her role and a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience, having previously worked as head of service at the charity.

In this role, she will lead in the delivery and development of Visualise’s agreed strategic aims, monitor company performance, maintain accountability as well as be responsible for implementing changes and the organisations set proposed plans.

Pauline has over 19 years’ experience in leading and managing teams to support people with learning disabilities in the health and social care sector.

She said: “The leadership team are delighted to witness a leader of Pauline’s calibre selected to lead Visualise Scotland to new heights, where she participated in a fair and rigorous interview process that included external candidates.

“I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity. I believe my experience throughout the years will enable me to lead the organisation through the exciting times ahead. 

“Visualise Scotland has a staff team of extremely talented and determined individuals, whose main focus is in achieving great lives for the people that Visualise have the honour to support. Support work can be a very rewarding career and if I can make it to becoming CEO, anyone with the passion, vision and values can too.

Visualise Scotland is a local health and social care charity based in Leith, founded in 1987 to provide adults with learning disabilities and additional complex needs with support.

Justin Adams, the chair of the board of trustees, said: "On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Visualise Scotland, I would like to both congratulate Pauline Gray on her appointment as our new chief executive and welcome her to the role.

“Pauline, as head of service, has been a stalwart support for our outgoing CEO, Helen Brown, during the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic and has proved her ability to be a calm and trusted leader in times of uncertainty and strife.

“I look forward to working closely with Pauline to help steer Visualise to an exciting and bright future, continuing to provide an outstanding level of service to the people that we support and their families whilst maximising any opportunities that present themselves to improve and expand on what Visualise Scotland can offer to the communities within which we operate."