Karen Ralston
Deputy Director - Practice and Participation Lead
Prior to taking up the role of Deputy Director in CYCJ from April 2022, Karen spent 35 years working in Local Government. Predominantly based in Glasgow, whilst latterly working in the Highlands and two Social Care Residential Services, she has spent the last 20 years in senior leadership roles.
Karen says:
“As a committed and compassionate social work practitioner, I have not lost the passion for advocating for social work justice and change as we strive to care for children and young people who have been severely disadvantaged and traumatised by everyday life experiences. Whilst in the roles of Service Manager, Chief Social Work Officer, Head of Social Work and Head of Care I always ensured to promote the values, professional ethics, and standards integral to building and maintaining trusting relationships across organisations.
“The PROMISE, Secure Care Standards and Pathway, Rights Respecting and Whole System Approach not only encapsulates a national but organisational direction for all services of how loving, supportive, and nurturing relationships will transform how children and young people should be cared for.
“I am excited to join CYCJ and support them in the leadership of the Organisation and continue as a “Centre of Excellence” where the needs of children and young people are preeminent and central to what we hope for their future.”