After leading the AHSCP on an interim basis since May 2025 and following a competitive process which began in June, Leigh has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.

Leigh brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently as head of children and families at Aberdeenshire Council. As chief social work officer for Aberdeenshire Council, Leigh has worked alongside the AHSCP to provide assurance and support around social work services and has been chair of the AHSCP’s Social Care Sustainability Board for the last three years.

“I have been covering the role of chief officer since May, and I am very proud and happy to have been given the opportunity to continue to lead the Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership,” said Leigh.

“I am very aware that there are many challenges across the public sector and specifically in health & social care just now and I am acutely aware that the next few years will continue to challenge us. However, I have been truly inspired by the dedication and professionalism of all my team, and I know that together we will navigate a way forward and bring about positive change for our communities.”

Cllr Anne Stirling, vice chair of the Integration Joint Board (IJB) of the AHSCP, said: “I am very pleased indeed to welcome Leigh to the Chief Officer’s post on a permanent basis and look forward to working together with her and the wider team long into the future.

“This was a well-earned appointment as competition for the role of chief officer was fierce and I would like to thank and pay tribute to the other candidates who were excellent.”

John Tomlinson, chair of the IJB, said: “Leigh will be an incredible asset to the Partnership and brings the knowledge and skills that we will need as our services change and develop and I am delighted that she will be our chief officer.”

Chief executive of Aberdeenshire Council, Jim Savege, said: “Both the appointments committee and the Stakeholder panel we were very impressed by level of accomplishment and professionalism of all of the candidates. It is testament to Leigh’s strengths and abilities that she has been appointed to the role of chief officer.

“Across health & social care, the next few years will provide many challenges but also opportunities to engage with communities and redesign services with an eye to the future needs of our population. Having worked with Leigh over the last few years I know she will provide the leadership and drive needed to deliver for the people of Aberdeenshire.”

Chief executive of NHS Grampian, Laura Skaife-Knight, said: “With both Leigh and I officially starting on the same day I am very much looking forward to working together to further strengthen collaborative working taking place in Aberdeenshire and across Grampian so we can the benefit the communities we serve.

“We know there are many challenges ahead of us, however, we have excellent foundations to build on and I’m sure Leigh and her team will lead with hope, optimism and compassion and we look to the future together, and aim to build further on the great work underway across health and care.”