Edel Harris is an experienced, highly respected and influential CEO and Chair/Non-Executive Director, with a focus on the voluntary & community sector and public service.​

Until recently Chief Executive Officer of Mencap, Edel previously worked as CEO of Cornerstone, one of Scotland’s leading charities which provides a range of services to people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and dementia.  ​

Edel pioneered new ways of providing care, based on Frederick Laloux’s Reinventing Organisations, tackling the challenges faced by the social care sector whilst ensuring that people in receipt of care and support are empowered to live the life they choose.  She also brings to PPL extensive expertise in charity governance, including quality assurance, safeguarding, regulation and risk management. ​

For over 15 years Edel has operated at CEO level, but is also a highly experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair, including for the Life Changes Trust, Scottish Government’s Social Investment Fund, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust, Scottish Council for Development & Industry, the Robertson Trust and Opportunity North East.​

Edel is passionate about ensuring that all people, whatever their background or ability, are included, listened to and valued.  She was Scottish EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017; and received her OBE in 2021 for her work to improve the lives of people with a disability.​

Edel holds a Diploma Social Care and Wellbeing and First Class Honours (BSc) in Health and Social Care from the Open University and an honorary doctorate from Robert Gordon University for her contribution to charity and business in Scotland.