Rachel Cackett to join CCPS as Chief Executive 

CCPS is delighted to announce that Rachel Cackett will be joining the organisation as its new Chief Executive in July. Rachel succeeds Annie Gunner Logan who stepped down as Chief Executive at the end of April after 24 years. 

Rachel will join CCPS from Samaritans where she has worked as Executive Director for Scotland since January 2020. At Samaritans she has worked with volunteers, staff, partners and people with lived experience to build the charity’s Scottish presence, secure a new self-harm strategy, and shape recommendations for suicidal crisis support. 

Prior to joining Samaritans, Rachel worked in the Scottish health and care sector for 20 years with campaign and policy roles at Shelter, RVS and the RCN, where she led the organisation’s work on integration, NHS finance and safe staffing legislation. 

Welcoming Rachel’s appointment, Andrea Wood, Convenor of the CCPS Board of Trustees said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Rachel to CCPS as Chief Executive. She will bring considerable knowledge and experience to the role at a critical moment for social care in Scotland. Her insight and intelligence will be invaluable as we approach the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” 

Commenting on her appointment, Rachel said. 

“At such a pivotal moment for social care in Scotland, I’m delighted to be joining CCPS as Chief Executive.  So much has been done by Annie Gunner Logan and the team to inspire positive, much needed, change for social care rooted in collaboration, equity and human rights.” 

“The Feeley review clearly built on that hope in the sector. Now, as the National Care Service takes shape – and the impact of COVID continues – I’m ready to get to work with CCPS members and staff, those using services, and wider partners to build collective ideas and action for change.  The social care transformation promised really does need to deliver so that people, families and communities can thrive on their own terms.” 

Reflecting on her time at Samaritans, she added: 

“Samaritans does an incredible job in preventing suicide,” she said “whether that’s through answering a call or lobbying to reduce inequalities that can compound distress. I’m proud to have led the organisation – and a fantastic team – in Scotland and I want to say a huge thank you to them for all we have achieved together.”

For further information contact Chris Creegan, Associate Director at CCPS on 07973 119204 or at chris.creegan@blueyonder.co.uk