Public appointment: Members appointed to the Council of the Scottish Social Services Council

The Minister for Children, Young People & Keeping the Promise today announced the appointment of Sharon Ballingall and Edel Harris as Members of the Council of the Scottish Social Services Council.

Members

Sharon Ballingall is a social worker with over 27 years’ experience within the third sector. She has helped to shape palliative care for children, young people, and their families. Sharon’s ongoing personal experience of supporting her son with complex needs through universal services has enriched her practice and driven her passion to advocate for the right support at the right time. Sharon has 21 years of service as a Special Constable within Police Scotland from 1995 to 2016.

Edel Harris OBE served as the CEO of Mencap from 2019-2023. Prior to this, she spent eleven years as the CEO of Cornerstone Community Care. Edel previously served as the Chair of The Life Changes Trust and the Scottish Government’s Social Investment Fund. Edel was the first woman  to be President of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce from 2016-2018. Her other Non-Executive Director appointments include the National Care Group (2023-present), Robertson Trust (2018-2022), and Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (2014-2019).  She is an Associate Consultant with PPL one of the Financial Times’ Leading Management Consultancies in the UK and in the top 5% of B Corps globally. Edel was awarded an OBE in 2021 in recognition for her services to the public sector and charity.

Appointment

These appointments will be for 3 years and will run from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2026.

These appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

These appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £154.14 per day for a time commitment of five days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Sharon Ballingall and Edel Harris do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Sharon Ballingall and Edel Harris have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Scottish Social Services Council are the regulator for the social work, social care and early years workforce in Scotland.

Their work means the people of Scotland can count on social work, social care and early years services being provided by a trusted, skilled and confident workforce.

SSSC protects the public by registering social workers, social care and early years workers, setting standards for their practice, conduct, training and education and by supporting their professional development. Where people fall below the standards of practice and conduct they can investigate and take action.

Scottish Social Services Council:

• publish the national codes of practice for people working in social work, social care and early years services and their employers
• register people working in social work, social care and early years and make sure they adhere to our codes of practice
• promote and regulate their learning and development
• are the national lead for workforce development and planning for the social work, social care and early years workforce in Scotland.

The SSSC Register was set up under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 to regulate social service workers and to promote their education and training.