Iriss has appointed Dee Fraser as its first chief executive
A charity that works to build the capacity and capability of the Scottish social services workforce has appointed a new boss.
Dee Fraser, deputy director at the Coalition of Care and Support Providers (CCPS), has been appointed as the first chief executive of the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (Iriss). She is due to start in her new role later next month (26 November).
Fraser has been picked for her expertise in theory and practice of complex systems change, in particular how the social care system can be reformed to put people before process.
She said: "I am delighted to be joining Iriss and becoming part of an organisation that has such a crucial role in supporting a flourishing social services sector.
"Iriss has a great reputation as an evidence-based, innovative and change-making organisation. I look forward to the contribution we will make to shaping the future in what is both an exciting and challenging time for social services in Scotland.”
Amanda Britain, chair of the Iriss board of directors, said: “We are delighted to appoint Dee as our first chief executive. Dee brings a wealth of experience in leading, developing, funding and delivering change projects and programmes across the not-for-profit and public sector. She has an outstanding record of achievement in her previous roles that will bring strong and clear leadership to Iriss at a key time for the organisation and the sector. I and the board look forward to working with her to build a secure and successful future for Iriss as we continue to support, enhance and develop the health and social care workforce.”
Fraser began her career in social care in the late 90s as a support worker with The Action Group (TAG). Following a first degree in pharmacology, she trained and practised as a social worker at the City of Edinburgh Council, focusing on mental health, before moving into mental health policy at Scottish Government. Following this, she worked in mental health community development to create and deliver support programmes for people experiencing depression and anxiety. These ranged from CBT life skills programmes, to more holistic recovery approaches. She continues to be a wellness recovery action planning (WRAP) facilitator in her spare time.
Fraser then took up the role of policy manager at Evaluation Support Scotland (ESS), focusing on evidence-informed policy.
In 2011, Dee joined CCPS to lead on policy and practice change programmes focused on self-directed support and commissioning and procurement reform. She was appointed deputy director in 2016, and in this role, managed a range of programmes including digital, criminal and community justice and procurement reform.
Iriss has said it looks forward to new leadership in its mission to build the capacity and capability of people working in social services to deliver high quality services through the use of evidence, improvement approaches and digital technology.
