​Police Scotland deputy chief constable takes over from Martin Cawley at Turning Point Scotland

Turning Point Scotland has appointed one of the country’s most senior police officers as its new chief executive.

Neil Richardson OBE, deputy chief constable with Police Scotland said he was proud and honoured to take up the leadership role at the social care charity.

He was appointed when Martin Cawley left the role after nearly eight years to join Big Lottery Scotland.

Sheila Fazal, chair of Turning Point Scotland, said: “Neil will join us in January and will lead an organisation supporting over 21,000 people to improve their life, lifestyles and life expectations.

It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to play a part in such a worthwhile organisation

Neil Richardson

“He will work with a staff of 1,200 people, currently working in 22 local authority areas. Neil’s role will also include leading our partnerships with local and national government, national agencies and health boards.

“We were pleasantly surprised at the volume and quality of applications for the chief executive role and after an extensive, thorough and rigorous process there was an overwhelming consensus amongst our board that Neil was the right person to take our charity forward while cherishing our core values and ethos.”

She added: “We were looking for someone who was passionate about Turning Point Scotland and its goals and development. Someone to complement the sector expertise and experience of the executive team and staff and who will work collaboratively to build on that experience.

“In addition, given the changing landscape ahead and the uncertain operating environment we are experiencing we also needed someone who has a track record of dealing with challenges and difficult issues. We are confident that someone is Neil Richardson.

“The board and the executive team are looking forward to working closely with Neil and will provide him with any necessary support.”

Turning Point Scotland provides support to adults with complex needs such as alcohol and drug misuse, learning disabilities, autism, neurological conditions, homelessness, mental health issues and people in the justice system.

Richardson said: “I am joining one of Scotland’s most respected social care charities, an organisation that offers a better future for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“My role will be to work with Turning Point Scotland’s dedicated team and learn the complexities of their work and together move this great charity forward while upholding its ethos and values.

“I am an experienced leader with over 30 years in the Scottish public sector. During this time I have worked directly with many organisations including those within the social care sector.

“I offer a proven track record of business success, organisational change and partnership working which I hope will add real value to the strategic aspirations of Turning Point Scotland. It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to play a part in such a worthwhile organisation.”