Leading bodies unite

One of Scotland’s leading social care charities has joined Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) to increase its influence on health and social care policy.

The move marks a key step in Quarriers’ refreshed policy strategy, which will see the organisation take a more active role in national discussions on health inequalities, disability rights, and social care reform.

As part of this renewed focus, Quarriers has appointed its first dedicated policy and external relations officer to lead on public affairs, strategic engagement, and policy development across Scotland.

The new role reflects the charity’s ambition to continue amplifying the voices of the people it supports.

With this enhanced capacity, Quarriers will contribute more directly to policy consultations, parliamentary activity, and cross-sector collaboration – ensuring that the experiences of people with lived experience remain at the heart of future health and care reform.

Ewan Carmichael, policy and external relations officer at Quarriers, said: “I am delighted that Quarriers is joining VHS at such a pivotal time for health and social care in Scotland.

“It is vital that we play an active role in wider policy discussions around poverty, inequality, and inclusion – issues that shape the lives of the people we support.

"Our work offers a powerful insight into the real-world impact of public policy, and with that comes the responsibility to amplify those voices.”

A spokesperson for VHS said: “Voluntary Health Scotland is delighted to welcome Quarriers to the membership community and to support the broad range of valuable work they do to tackle stigma and inequalities.”