CHAS CEO Maria McGill announces retirement

Maria McGill joined CHAS in 2010 and has been instrumental in guiding the organisation through significant change which has seen the charity expand to meet an increasing demand for its services. Over the last 5 years, CHAS has seen a significant increase in the referral rate of the children and families it supports. During Maria's tenure, CHAS has continued to grow its reputation both nationally and internationally, establishing the charity as the national provider and leading voice in paediatric palliative care for babies, children, young people and their families with life-shortening conditions across Scotland.

In 2017, in response to a groundbreaking study 'Children in Scotland Requiring Palliative Care: identifying numbers and needs' funded by the Scottish Government, the charity, under Maria's leadership, launched its ambitious strategy 'Reaching Every Family in Scotland' and fundraising campaign 'Keep the Joy Alive' to ensure CHAS can be there for each and every child and family that needs its support. Most recently, CHAS has joined forces with the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in a pioneering and innovative partnership that will see the first ever paediatric palliative care team established within a hospital environment in Scotland.

Maria McGill commented: "It has been an incredible experience serving CHAS. I have had the privilege to lead a wonderful team of staff and volunteers who are all dedicated to caring for children and families across Scotland. CHAS is always about the art of the possible, of working with children and families in what are often the most difficult of times, creating precious memories, the biggest of smiles and moments of joy. I am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to play a part in the story of CHAS."

George Reid, Chair of CHAS, added: "We are indebted to Maria for her outstanding contribution over the last nine years. Under her leadership, CHAS has grown its services and in doing so, is now reaching more families than ever before. However, we know that CHAS has much more to do as we strive to reach those children and families in Scotland that need our care and support. Expanding our reach and working closely with colleagues in the NHS and Local Authorities across Scotland are fundamental aspects of CHAS's future as we embark on the search for Maria's successor. I am grateful to Maria for her commitment to CHAS through the upcoming period of transition."

The charity plans to commence the search in June with the intention that a new CEO is in place by early 2020.